Abnormal Cervical Cytology Detection: A Study in Odissa

Background: Cervical cancer is the most important health disease in the world after breast cancer. It is the major health problem of womens. Cervical cytology by Papanicolaou (Pap) smears is an effective screening method for cervical premalignant and malignant conditions. Aim: To study the role of Pap smear in detecting premalignant and malignant lesions of cervix; and to determine the prevalence of various lesions. Materials and Methods: This study is based on 200 patients who attended the out-patient Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of AHRCC, Odissa. Pap smears were prepared from patients presenting with complaints like whitish vaginal discharge, post-coital bleeding, inter-menstrual bleeding, dyspareunia, and pain lower abdomen. After fixation and staining with papanicolou each smear was carefully examined. Results: Squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) found in 17 ( 8.5 %) cases, which includes low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) 6 (3 %) and high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) 7 ( 3.5 %) cases. Invasive carcinoma was seen in 4 (2 %) of cases. Out of which, 3 (1.5 %) cases showed squamous cell carcinoma and 1 (0.5 %) smear showed adenocarcinoma. . Maximum number of patients i. e.86 (43 %) were in the age group of 31-40 years. Mean age of cases with low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) was 37.8 years and those with HSIL and malignant carcinoma were 43.5 years and 54 years, respectively. Conclusion: Premalignant and malignant lesions of cervix can be diagnosed early by Pap smears.