Radiotherapy Induced Changes in the Cervical Pap Smears- A Study of 50 Cases

ABSTRACT

Pap smear is an important tool to assess, follow up and monitor the diagnosed cases of carcinoma cervix. In the present study we have taken cases which were already diagnosed of cervical carcinoma, took radiotherapy and chemotherapy and surgical intervention as whole or one entity. These cases were assessed for cytological features of therapy induced changes, recurrence of carcinoma or no intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM). Aim: The aim of the present study is to study the effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy on squamous epithelial cells and to study the rate of recurrence of Squamous cell carcinoma after completion of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Methods: Total No. of 50 cases were taken ranging from 27 yrs. to 70 yrs. age group who presented at tertiary care hospitals in northern part of India for about 1.5 year duration where facilities of radio and chemotherapy and surgical oncology was present. Results: In the present study, nucleomegaly was found to be most common finding in 46 (92%) of cases, next came vacuolisation both cytoplasmic and nuclear however nuclear vacuolisation outnumbered cytoplasmic. Conclusion: The total no. of cases having malignant or dysplastic cells varied with age and found to be higher in advancing age groups although in younger age group (20-29) having only one case was found to be positive for malignant/dysplastic cells.