Cervical cytology by pap smear in a rural teaching hospital in Tamilnadu

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women in many less developed countries as well as among Indian women[1].Cervical cancer is the third common cancer in the world in female and fourth leading cancer for death in women. This study was done to evaluate age incidence,age and clinical presentation and clinical presentation and cytological patterns. Methods and materials: This is a Prospective study was conducted by department of pathology, in a rural teaching hospital, Chidambaram. Cervical smears of 476 female patients of reproductive age women attending gynaecology outpatient clinics was enrolled in this study. Smears were from squamo-columnar junction and transferred to department of pathology in coplin jar with 95% ethyl alcohol. Result: Out of 476 cases, , a high incidence of 212 cases (44.5%) was observed in (31-40 years) followed by 149 cases(31.3%) in age group of (41-50 years ), Leucorrhea was the most common clinical presentation among 20-30 years with 56% of incidence. Menorrhagia was the second most common symptom with 141 cases(29.6%) Intermenstrual bleeding was most commonly seen in 31-40 years). In inflammation, Leucorrhea (33.6%) is the most common clinical presentation followed by menorrhagia (31.6%) and Amenorrhea. Mass desending per vaginum (0.56%) being the least. In patients reported with ASCUS ,post menopausal bleeding(55%) was the commonest complaint. A high incidence of inflammation was observed in 31-40 years (46.5%) followed by women in 41-50 years (28.5%). Conclusion: This study emphasise more number of individuals to be included in screening. Early diagnosis of pre malignant lesions by Pap smear study result in timely therapeutic intervention leading to decrease in number of cases progressing to frank malignancy. Programme to increase the awareness among the women regarding the benefits of Pap screening will go long way in reducing the cancer burdern in the community.