Lakshmi K. S, Pradeep R, Veni U
BACKGROUND Cancer of uterine cervix is a dreadful cause of mortality amongst genital tract malignancies in Indian women and it is an important preventable disease provided it is detected early. There is excellent evidence that invasive cancer of uterine cervix develops from carcinoma in situ/dysplasia. Therefore, the eradication of precancerous epithelial changes is possible by cytologic screening. The aim of the study was to correlate efficacy of pap smears in the diagnosis of cervical dysplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective study was conducted by a detailed examination of cervical smears of patients at M.S. Ramaiah Teaching Hospital and their correlation with histopathological findings. RESULTS A total of 2584 pap smears were studied during this period, out of which 249 smears were within normal limits, 2211 were nonneoplastic and 124 were neoplastic. Out of 124 neoplastic smears, 80 cases showed CIN-I features, 16 cases showed CIN- II features and 09 cases showed CIN-III features. CONCLUSION Pap smear is an effective screening procedure in diagnosing cervical lesions. It can be recommended as the first line investigation in the diagnosis of cervical dysplasia.
