Frequency Of Abnormal Pap’s Smears in Patients with Vaginal Discharge

Abstract

Cervix malignancy is one of the common types of cancer all across the globe. Among all the types of cancers in females, cervical cancers are the major cause of mortality. The detection and management of these types of cancers are necessary. One of the easiest tests is Pap’s smear which is a rapid and painless screening test for detection of cervical dysplasia or cervical malignancy. Objective: To calculate the current magnitude and most frequent abnormal Pap’s smear in the female population of Sindh, Pakistan, and to determine the frequency of abnormal Pap’s smears in patients with vaginal discharge. Methods: It was descriptive cross-sectional research conducted for six months in department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Unit, Civil Hospital Karachi from November, 2017 to May, 2018. A total of 214 women with vaginal discharge were included in this study. Demographic variables and history of previous pelvic or abdominal surgery was recorded. All enrolled women underwent examination of cervix and cell sample was obtained with Ayr’s spatula for pap’s smear and evaluated Results: The average age of the women was 34.86 years, frequency of abnormal pap’s smears in patients with the vaginal discharge was observed in 4.67% (10/214) cases. Out of 10 cases, infection was observed in 8 women and 2 patients exhibited dysplasia. The frequency of abnormal Pap’s smears in patients with vaginal discharge was found to be low but the complaint of vaginal discharge was very common. Conclusions: It was concluded that factor such as increasing age, low socioeconomic status and high parity were the contributory factors for the vaginal discharge. So, there must be raised awareness among females about their reproductive system and self-concern for their own health