Previous screening for cervical cancer among women with cytological and histological abnormalities

Authors

  • C Rama Hospital Leonor Mendes de Barros
  • C Roteli-Martins Hospital Leonor Mendes de Barros
  • S Derchain Universidade Estadual de Campinas
  • A Longatto-Filho Universidade de Minho
  • R Gontijo Universidade Estadual de Campinas
  • L Sarian Universidade Estadual de Campinas
  • K Syrjanen Turku University Hospital; Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy
  • T Ching Santa Casa de São Paulo; Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
  • J Aldrighi Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Saúde Pública

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102008000300004

Keywords:

Uterine Cervical Neoplasms^i2^sdiagno, Early Diagnosis, Mass Screening, Survivorship (Public Health), Vaginal Smears, Cross-Sectional Studies

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine previous Pap smear history in women screened for cervical cancer with cytological or histological abnormalities. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in a sample of 5,485 women (15-65 years old) who self-referred to cervical cancer screening in Sao Paulo and Campinas, Southeastern Brazil, between February 2002 and March 2003. A behavioral questionnaire was applied and cervical specimens were obtained for testing by Pap smears or liquid-based cytology. Women who had abnormal cytology were referred for colposcopic examination and, if abnormal, for cervical punch biopsy. To explore factors associated to cervical abnormalities Pearson's chi-was conduted square test at a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Cytological abnormalities were found in 354 women (6.4%) and included 41 high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions and 3 carcinomas; 92.7% were normal results. Colposcopy was performed in 289 women, and 145 (50.2%) showed abnormal results. Punch biopsies showed 14 cervical intraepithelial neoplasias grade 3 and 4 carcinomas. Previous Pap smears were reported in all women who had cytology suspected of carcinoma, 97.6% of those with high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions, all women with histological diagnosis of carcinoma and 92.9% of those who had cervical intraepithelial neoplasias grade 3 histologically. Previous Pap smear in the last tree years was reported by 86.5% and 92.8% of women with abnormal cytology and biopsy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference regarding the number of Pap tests and time since their last test between women with histologically diagnosed carcinoma and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 compared with those with normal cytology.

Published

2008-06-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Previous screening for cervical cancer among women with cytological and histological abnormalities . (2008). Revista De Saúde Pública, 42(3), 411-419. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102008000300004