The Usefulness of Papanicolaou Test in the Cytomorphological Evaluation of Squamous Cell Abnormalities of the Cervix

Özet

Papanicolaou or Pap test as a screening method is a suitable method in the prevention of cervical cancer. The aim of the present study was to detect the prevalence of various cervical cytology results in the squamous epithelial tissue of the endocervix and endometrium in women, aged 18–70 years, according to the 2014 Bethesda system. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted on 16,790 Pap smears prepared from women aged 18–70 years between January 2017 and December 2017. The evaluation of the results is hospital based and not the whole country. Diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance was made in 72 (12%) cases. Atypical squamous cells as a HSIL was seen in 36 (6%) cases, human papillomavirus infection in 26 (4%) cases, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion as a CIN 1 in 27 (5%) cases and as a CIN 2 in 13 (2%) cases, and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HGSIL or HSIL) or CIN 3 in 5 (1%) cases. The prevalence of various epithelial abnormalities as glandular epithelial cell abnormalities was determined in 20% of women (119 cases), and it was 50% (298 cases) in other abnormalities. According to these results (high prevalence of epithelial cell abnormalities in cervical smears due to I–XII), Pap test as a screening method should begin at the age of 18 years. This screening test can detect abnormal cervical cells before they turn into malignant neoplasm or can be used as a good screening method to detect the earliest signs of carcinogenesis.