Cytological Patterns of Cervical Papanicolaou Smears in Jammu Region: An Institution Based Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is a commonly used cytological screening test in detecting the early epithelial abnormalities and malignancy.
Purpose: To determine the prevalence of various cervical pathologies on Pap smear and to detect the premalignant and malignant lesions of cervix.
Material and Methods: One hundred and two cervical smears received in the department of pathology for a period of two years were retrospectively analyzed. Data regarding clinical history and cytology reports was collected from data registers, findings recorded and cases were classified as per Bethesda nomenclature.
Results: Inadequate smears were seen in 3.9 % cases. 88.2 % cases in our study were negative for Intraepithelial Lesion or Malignancy (NILM). Epithelial abnormalities were found in 7.9% smears. Among epithelial lesions, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) were seen in 1.0% smears, squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) in 5.9% smears including low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) in 3.9% and high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) in 2.0% smears. Squamous cell carcinoma of cervix was seen in 1.0% cases. Both cases of HSIL and solitary case of carcinoma were seen after 5^th decade of life.
Conclusion: Pap smear test is a cost effective and simple method to detect various neoplastic and non-neoplastic cervical lesions.