To compare the efficacy of pap smear & visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid (VIA) in early diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) & early cancer cervix

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is the cancer in the lining of the cervix. Cervical cancer does not form suddenly, gradual changes takes place from a normal cervix to pre-cancerous to cancer. Cervical cytology has become the main diagnostic tool to detect cervical cancer. Colposcopy is essential for evaluation of all patients with abnormal cervical smears. In the present study we compare the effectiveness of Pap smear and VIA with acetic acid in diagnosing the cervical cancer. Method: This is a prospective study where 100 patients with risk factors for cervical cancer were evaluated in gynecology OPD from January 2021 to May 2021 and standard protocol followed in Shri Vinoba Bhave civil hospital, Silvassa. Pap smear and VIA with acetic acid was carried out and colposcopy was done in all patients irrespective of Pap smear finding. Results: Pap smear had sensitivity only 25.71% but the specificity was 96.92%. While VIA with acetic acid had sensitivity and specificity of 74.26% and 76.92%, respectively. Colposcopy had high sensitivity and specificity rates, 82.86% and 93.85%, respectively. Conclusion: Pap smear still remains a well-established and perhaps the best studied screening test as of date.