Role of Pap smear in detection of precancerous lesions of cervix – A case study

Background: The pap smear is the screening test for the detection of premalignant lesion of the cervix. It should be done annually in all women of age 35 years and above. Pap smear screening of cervix can significantly reduce the deaths due to cervical carcinoma. Materials and methods: This was a prospective and descriptive study done for the period of 6 months from February 2018 to July 2018. A total of 158 women above the age of 21 years and married were included in the study. A Pap smear test was done after clinical examination in all women and sent to the department of Pathology of our tertiary care centre for cytopathological examination. Results: There were 150 cases with inflammatory smear, 2 cases of ASCUS, 3 cases of LSIL and 3 cases of HSIL. Women who were positive for ASCUS, LSIL and HSIL underwent colposcopy and guided biopsy. Most women with inflammatory smear were of age group 20-40 years, 2cases of ASCUS were of ages 35 years and 38 years, 3cases of LSIL were of age group 35-45 years and 3 cases of HSIL were of age group 45-55years. Conclusion: Thus cervical cancer is a preventable cancer if regular Pap smear screening test is done. It is simple, cost effective, non-invasive and easy to perform screening test for precancerous lesions of cervix.