comparative study of liquid based cytology and visual inspection with acetic acid as screening method of premalignant lesions of cervix

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of premalignant lesions of cervix and to compare the diagnostic efficacy of liquid based Cytology and Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid in predicting pre- malignant lesions of cervix. It was a facility based cross sectional study conducted on sexually active women in the age group of 18 to 60 years. Detailed history was obtained from all the patients followed by thorough examination. Per Speculum Examination, LBC and VIA was performed in all cases using standard procedure. Women with either positive VIA or with positive Cervical Cytology (LBC) or both positive, were subjected to cervical biopsy. A total of 2195 women were enrolled for LBC and VIA both. Liquid based cytology revealed premalignant lesions in 4.2% cases whereas VIA was positive in 7% cases. Histopathology revealed CIN 1, 2 and 3 in 22.5%, 11.1% and 4.1% cases respectively. Sensitivity of VIA was 76% and that of LBC was 55% whereas specificity of LBC was higher (70.88%) as compared to VIA (46.5%). VIA is more sensitive than the LBC for the detection of pre malignant lesions of the cervix.