Spectrum Of Cervical Lesions By Papaincolau (PAP) Smears, Screening In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Jammu. A 3 Year Retrosceptive Study.

ABSTRACT

Background:Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer world wide. It is preventable and curable if detected at early stages. Conventional cervical cytology using pap smears is most commonly used cervical screening method throughout the world. The aim of the study is to evaluate and interpret the cervical pap smear cytology in a tertiary care hospital . The interpretation and reporting of the cervical pap smears is based on the Bethesda system. Material and methods: This is a retrosceptive study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Jammu over a period of 3 years. All the cervical pap smears received in the Department of Pathology, GMC Jammu, in the study period were included (expect menstruating women, pregnant women and women who had undergone hysterectomy). Results: A total of 300 cases were reported in the Cytology section of the Department of Pathology in the study period of three years. Majority of the cases were Negative for Intraepithelial lesions or malignancy(79%). Reactive cellular changes associated with inflammation were the most common finding (71.6%) followed by bacterial vaginosis(3.33%), candiasis(2%) and trichomanas(2%). Epithelial cell abnormality (6.33%) comprised of ASCUS, LSIL,HSIL& SCC. Conclusion: Pap smears is a simple and cost effective screening method to detect various preinvasive cervical lesions. It should be done routinely in all women in reproductive age group.