A Study on Pap Smear Screening Results Conducted in Teaching Hospital: Analysis of Findings

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the major health problems among women in terms of morbidity and mortality. Early identification is beneficial in effective treatment and helps to prevent precancerous lesions from progressing to cancerous conditions. For early detection several screening methods are available. The present study aimed to evaluate PAP smear screening among healthy women in identifying infectious, premalignant, and malignant lesions to determine the prevalence of various lesions. Methods: We collected PAP smears from healthy women who attended a cancer screening program conducted at gynecology op department, government general hospital, Ananthapuramu. The age of the women was between 21-85 years. Informed consent was taken before taking a PAP smear. PAP smears were analyzed and reported as per the new Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytology 2014. Results: In this study, 62 PAP smears were collected. The median age of the patients was 40 years. 2(3.2%) smears showed normal in cytology.49(78.9%) smears showed inflammatory,4(6.4%) smears were showed infectious cytology report. atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) were 2(3.2%), low‑grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) 3(4.8%), high‑grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) 1(1.6%).one smear,1.6% showed inadequate cytology report. None of the smears showed malignant cytology. Conclusion: PAP smear is a simple, non-invasive, cost-effective screening test to detect cervical premalignant or malignant lesions. It is a highly sensitive screening test. It can reduce morbidity and mortality related to cervical cancer. Women aged 30-65 years of age should undergo PAP smear screening routinely.