Evaluating the role of HPV as a primary screening method for cancer cervix: A pilot study

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the leading genital malignancy in India, there is a dire need to schedule screening programs on a regular basis. Objectives: 1) To compare the efficacy of visual, cytological and HPV DNA testing as primary cancer screening methods for the detection cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer. 2) Colposcopic evaluation and directed biopsy for positive cases. Methodology: Prospective observational study including 100 married women in the age group 35-50 years for opportunistic screening were enrolled and they underwent a visual inspection of the cervix followed by cytology (PAP smear) and HPV DNA testing at the same visit. Results: Visual inspection and Pap smear as screening methods had good specificity but low sensitivity values, as compared to HPV. Conclusion: HPV testing serves as a more reliable and cost effective screening method, can be considered as a gold standard one step screening method for preinvasive lesions of the cervix.