Adequacy of PAP Smear in Females of Reproductive Age and Perimenopausal Age

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The purpose of the Papanicolou (Pap) smearin the early detection and prevention of cervical canceris well proved. However, due to lack of awareness stillmany women fail to undertake this test. To address theusefullness and awareness issue, we assessed the feasibilityand adequacy of Pap smears in females of reproductive ageand perimenopausal age. Cervical cancer is the second mostsevere cancer affecting women globally and mortality is notonly affecting India but also the other developing nations.This study aimed to study the cervical cytology and its patternin patients from reproductive age group and perimenopausalage group in Gynaec Outpatient Department of MGM medicalcollege and hospital in Jamshedpur.Material and methods: The procedure of clinical Pap smearincludes extraction of cells from squamocolumnar junctionby sweeping and then the smear was spread over glass slideand it was dipped in a small container with fixative (95%ethyl alcohol). Later on, the slides were stained (Pap stain)and observed for the cytological study according to Bethesdascoring system, 2001 for detection of cervical cancer inpatients.Results: Majority of the patients presented with single orcombination of symptoms like white discharge per vaginumand lower abdominal pain or both. The samples extractedand evaluated from the patients through the Pap smearswere put according to Bethesda scoring system, 2001;where it was found that Non-specific inflammation was76.417%, normal cervical cytology was 14.153%, LSIL((Lowgrade intraepithelial lesion) was 3.77% and inadequate/unsatisfactory was 5.660%.Conclusion: Pap smear testing related to cervical cancerpresence drastically reduces in morbidity and mortalitythrough early detection, diagnosis and management ofcervical cancer. This cytological testing is one of the meresttools available to find the occurrence of cervical cancer.