PAP smear screening for precancerous conditions of the cervical cancer

ABSTRACT

To find the presence of cervical cancer in PAP smears taken from Pakistani women of different age groups. Department of Cytology, Public Health Laboratory Division. National Institute of Health, Islamabad. Data of all cervical smears sent to the cytology department of NIH between 1st January 2001 to 31st December 2004 was retrospectively analysed to see the presence of malignancy. A total of 546 smears were assessed during the study period. Of these, 302[55.31%] showed inflammatory changes, 124[22.71%] were normal, 40[7.33%] were atrophic, 17[3.12%] showed dysplastic changes, in which 10 cases were of low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion [LSIL], and 07 cases were of high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion [HSIL]. Carcinoma in situ, was seen in 11 [2.02%]. Inadequate sample was reported in 52 [9.52%] cases with an advise to repeat the test. Awareness campaigns and screening program for cervical cancer in women of reproductive age is recommended especially in those having prolonged symptoms