COMPARISON OF LIQUID BASED CYTOLOGY WITH CONVENTIONAL PAPANICOLAOU METHOD IN SCREENING OF PAP SMEARS
Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in women worldwide and the most common cause of death in the developing countries. However, cervical cancer can be prevented if dysplastic changes are detected early. Conventional Papanicolaou cytology has been the mainstay for cervical cancer screening but it has many limitations. To overcome these limitations, liquid based cytology was introduced.
Aims & Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the utility of Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) in comparison to conventional Papanicolaou (PAP) smears.
Material & Methods: The present study was carried out in 100 cases. A comparison was done between both conventional Papanicolaou cytology and liquid based cytology. It was a double blind study so as to prevent interpretative bias. Only one experienced cytopathologist interpreted all cytology slides so that no interpersonal variation could interfere with the result.
Results: Inflammatory smears on liquid based cytology and conventional cytology were 25% and 63% respectively only 2% cases of specific infection were detected on conventional cytology as compared to 12% cases on liquid based cytology. There was a significant difference in the reporting rate of Low-grade squamous cell carcinoma (LGSIL), 6% were found to have LGSIL on liquid based cytology whereas only 3% were reported on conventional cytology. Similarly, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) were reported in 3% cases on liquid based cytology as compared to only 1% case on conventional cytology.
Conclusion: An array of lesions can be potentially diagnosed on Liquid based cytology. Proper technique is essential for proper interpretation and diagnosis. This can lead to a reduction in number of inadequate smears and improve the smear quality.
Keywords: Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, Conventional Papanicolaou Cytology, Liquid based cytology, Low grade squamous cell changes.
