Carcinoma cervix screening – a clinicopathological study

Abstract

Background: Cervical carcinoma, the pathogenesis of which includes multiple factors was the leading cause of death 50 years ago and the mortality rate has been reduced to two thirds due to the effective screening by Pap smears which detected the cancers and precancerous conditions. Objective: The study was undertaken to analyze the routine cervical cancer screening on an age specific basis and to study the various predisposing factors of cervical carcinoma. Methods: We conducted an observation study on 1000 patients. The cervical smears collected were examined and predisposing factors were studied in these patients. Results: 1000 women above 20 years of age group were screened. There were 242 cases(24.2%) of dysplasia of which 133 cases (13.3%) were of mild dysplasia, 59 cases (5.9%) were of moderate dysplasia and 50 cases (5%) were of severe dysplasia. 29 cases (2.9%) showed invasive carcinoma. There were 564 (56.4%) inflammatory smears and 168 (16.8%) normal smears. Maximum number of dysplasia’s and carcinomas were found in the age group above 40 years. These patients were from low income group, had no formal education, attained menarche at the age of 13-14 years, married at the age of 15-17 years, had three or more children and had marital life for more than 30years. Conclusion: Cervical cytology has been main stay of prevention and early diagnosis of cervical carcinomas. Due to its simplicity and low cost, pap smears can be used for mass screening. Cervical carcinoma has multiple etiological factors which play role in its pathogenesis.