Study of Prevalence of Abnormal Cervical Cytology in Al-Shatby Maternity University Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the most common cause of preventable cancer related deaths; cervical cancer has a long pervasive phase (cervical dysplasia); the prevalence of cervical dysplasia varies according to the socioeconomic characteristics and geographic areas of the population studied. Low-grade lesions regress spontaneously in a significant number of patients, while high grade lesions will progress to an invasive cancer if left untreated. Cervical cancer screening is an important component of the World Health Organization (WHO) strategy for combating cervical cancer. The incidence and prevalence of cervical cancer has reduced remarkably over the last three decades in developed countries where there are effective, well-coordinated screening programs, and treatment of cervical dysplasia, while in developing countries it has been increasing and has constituted major health problems among women where there are no well-coordinated and effective screening programs, also resources are very low and no insurance can cover this programs. Aim of the work: The aim is to assess the prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology in Al Shatby Maternity University Hospital patients using Pap smear. Materials and methods: Inclusion criteria: 1) Married woman from 3 years or more; 2) Women age from 21 to age 65 years. Exclusion criteria: 1) Previously known cervical cancer patient; 2) Virgin females; 3) Woman with active vaginal bleeding. Results: 83% of patients were -ve intraepithelial neoplasia {37.7% was normal cytology and 45.3% was inflammatory}. 17% was +ve intraepithelial neoplasia (abnormal cytology), {11.1% ASCUS, 2.9% LSIL, 1.3% HSIL, 1.1% ASC-H, 0.3% AGS-NO, 0.3% AGS-Favour Neoplastic}. Prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology in age group less than30 years was 8.4% which is lower than prevalence in the middle age group which was 19.9%. Prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology in women with normal vaginal delivery was higher than those with caesarean delivery. 39.8% of our patients were passive and active smokers 61.2% of their Pap smear was abnormal cytology. 78.9% of abnormal cytology was among patients from low socioeconomic class (rural areas). Abnormal cervical cytology in patients with high parity was 69% which is higher than abnormality found in lower parity. 60.2% of abnormal cervical cytology was in patients who became sexually active before age of 20 years. Prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology was higher in patients with multiple sexual partners (56.5%) than patients with single sexual partner (13.3%). Conclusion: Cervical cytology remains the gold standard for cervical cancer screening and the use of Bethesda system is a simple and accurate method for diagnosis and management of cases with abnormal cervical cytology.