Colposcopic Detection of CIN in Patients with Clinically Abnormal Cervix at a Tertiary Care Center in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer poses a significant public health challenge globally, especially in regions like Bangladesh where access to effective screening programs is limited. Early detection and management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) play crucial roles in preventing the progression to cervical cancer. This study investigates the diagnostic accuracy of colposcopy, compared with histopathological findings, in detecting various grades of CIN and cervical cancer. Methods: This retrospective observational study reviewed hospital records of 200 VIA-positive cases from January 2021 to December 2023 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital Dhaka, Bangladesh. Colposcopic examinations were conducted, followed by histopathological evaluations of biopsied tissues to confirm the presence and grade of CIN. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical findings, and outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Result: Of the participants, 44% had normal colposcopic findings, while the prevalence of CIN I, CIN II, CIN III, and cervical cancer was 22.5%, 17%, 11%, and 4%, respectively. Histopathological correlation confirmed 46% as normal, with discrepancies noted in higher-grade lesion diagnosis. The study highlighted the high sensitivity but variable specificity of colposcopy in detecting and grading cervical lesions. Conclusion: Colposcopy serves as a valuable diagnostic tool in the early detection of cervical abnormalities. However, discrepancies in lesion grading underscore the need for integrating colposcopy with histopathological evaluations to enhance diagnostic accuracy and optimize patient management.