The reasons for colposcopy and histopathological outcomes in referral patients to Ayatollah Mosavi Hospital of Zanjan (2012–2017)

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed at assessing the prevalence of cervical cancer and premalignant lesions of the cervix in patient referred to colposcopy unit in Zanjan, and to determine what extent colposcopy is conducted based on the scientific indications. Materials and Methods: In this registry-based cross-sectional study, all women who were referred to the Colposcopy unit of Zanjan Ayatollah-Mousavi Hospital to undergo colposcopy during 2012–2017 were studied. The required data were collected from the registered medical records in the Pathology Department of the hospital. The Bethesda System Terminology was used for classifying premalignant cervical lesions. Results: In the present study, the most common abnormal clinical signs were abnormal vaginal bleeding, whereas atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (39.5%) remained the most common abnormal Pap smear test result. The clinical appearance of the cervix in 104 patients (62.3%) showed cervical erosion. The results of colposcopy showed some signs of inflammation in all patients. Out of these patients, 5.4% were reported with acute inflammation, and 39.5% with chronic inflammation. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the patients' referral for a colposcopy must be based on the scientific indications and unnecessary colposcopy should be avoided.