Correlation of Pap Smear with Histopathological Findings in Malignant and non Malignant Lesions of Cervix

Abstract

Background: Conventional cervical cytology is the most widely used cervical cancer screening test in the world. Squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (SIL) and cervical cancer remain important health problems for women worldwide. Aim and Objective: To study various types of cervical lesions with relevant factors such as age, parity, to classify cervical lesions into malignant & benign groups and to correlate the cytological with histopathological findings. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 200 cases of Pap smears and cervical biopsies, along with resected specimens. After fixation and staining, smears and cervical biopsies were processed and examined under microscope. Results: Age wise maximum number of patients were in fourth decade (54.50%), followed by fifth decade. On cytology, 59% were inflammatory smears and frank malignancy was reported in 10% cases. LSIL and HSIL were reported in 9% and 8.50% respectively. Maximum number of cases on biopsy was those of infections (57.50%), 27% cases were those of frank malignancy; most common being invasive squamous cell carcinoma (23%) and adenocarcinoma in 2%. Mean age among cancer cases was high (51.94±12.30 years) compared to those who did not have cervical cancer (39.53±9.66 years). Cervical cancer was seen in 39.65% of patients with having ≥3 children. 10% cases diagnosed on cytology turned out to be malignant on biopsy. Conclusion: Pap smear followed by cervical biopsy is an effective method for detection of pre-cancerous, cancerous and non-cancerous changes in the cervix.