CERVICAL PAP SMEAR PATTERN- COMPARISON OF HOSPITAL AND SCREENING CAMP POPULATION

BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity among women worldwide. In India it accounts for 25% of cancer deaths. Only limited number of studies are available on prevalence of cervical epithelial abnormalities, especially in Kerala. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of cervical cytological pattern in central Kerala, so that appropriate screening strategies can be planned. MATERIALS AND METHODS A one-year descriptive study was conducted on cervical pap smears in study population groups: 1) camp population from various camps conducted in and around Kottayam and 2) hospital population and specimens received in the department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Kottayam during the study period of 12 months. Smears were assessed according to the revised Bethesda System 2014. A total of 240 cases of Pap smears were analysed in each group of population (hospital and screening camp). RESULTS The mean age of population in the present study was 48.20 +/- 10.224 SD in camp and 48.23 +/- 11.339 SD in hospital population. Majority belongs to the age group 41-50 years. In both, majority of the smears were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NIL/M). Epithelial abnormality was seen in 1.25% cases (LSIL) of camp population & 2.5% cases (ASC -US, LSIL and HSIL 0.80% each) of hospital population. CONCLUSION Our study shows a relatively low prevalence of cervical epithelial abnormality similar to developed countries. Pap smear is an effective screening procedure to detect cervical cytological abnormalities. Routine screening should be offered to all women above 21 years. It is recommended to improve awareness about disease among females.