Cervical Pap smear: A retrospective study on symptomatic women in a tertiary care hospital.

Abstract

Background: Cancer of the cervix is an increasing health problem and an important cause of mortality in women
worldwide. Cervical cancer ranks 2nd most common visceral cancer in females and stands 3rd in causing death in women in
the world. Pap smear is used as primary screening test for detection of early cervical epithelial changes, cervical epithelial
neoplasia and early stage of invasive cervical cancer. Recommendations for Pap smear generally starts around 21 years of
age or within 3 years of onset of sexual activity and thereafter every 3 years
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 100 patients to evaluate all previously reported cervical smears
in the Department of Pathology GMC Kathua, who came with different gynaecological complaints in Gynaecological
OPD at GMC Kathua, J&K.Smears were obtained with the help of Ayre’s spatula and cytobrush to collect specimen from
transformation zone. The cellular material is quickly spread on 2 clean glass slides and fixed immediately by immersing
them in copulin jar containing 95% ethyl alcohol. The smears were stained with Papanicolaou stain. After mounting the
slides with DPX and examined under light microscope , they are reported by pathologists according to Revised Bethesda
System.
Conclusion: Pap smear test is a simple, inexpensive, non -invasive and an OPD performed to detect various premalignant
and malignant lesions of cervix. By conducting health camps, increasing awareness programmes and performing Pap
smears, the incidence of cervical cancer can be greatly reduced.