Evaluating Spectrum of Epithelial Cell Abnormalities in Cervical Cytology Smears with a Focus on Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS): A Study in Eastern India

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer being one of the major causes of death in women living in developing countries likeIndia, this study evaluates the spectrum of epithelial cell abnormality while primarily focusing on the prevalenceof ASCUS and their correlation with predisposing factors.Materials and Methods: Descriptive type of study was conducted over 456 patients. Patients underwent perspeculum examination followed by cervical smear examination. Cervical lesions were categorized according toRevised Bethesda system, 2014.HPV detection & sequencing was done as required.Results and conclusion: ASCUS was most prevalent in the sexually active age group (7.01%). The incidence ofintraepithelial lesions among multiparous women was high (50.8%). Early coital age, smoking, poor economicconditions, multiple sexual partners, contraceptive usage and HPV infection were associated with higher chancesof squamous cell abnormality.Cervicitis, cervical erosion, and hypertrophic cervix need careful investigation for the presence of ASCUS due toits high prevalence in sexually active females in Eastern India. Henceforth, addressing these factors and spreadingawareness about early diagnosis, necessary treatment, HPV vaccination along with the maintenance of propersexual and menstrual hygiene becomes a cornerstone in the reduction of the overall burden of atypical cervicalcytology and finally, cervical cancer.