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Sep 20, 2023Keywords:
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Review of papanicolaou smears in Maiduguri -A 15-year study
Abstract
Mortality from cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in developing countries. Organized cytological screening in developed countries has reduced significantly deaths related to cervical cancer. Opportunistic screenings offered in most parts of the developing world hardly cater for those at high risk.
Objective: To review Pap smears in Maiduguri and compare our findings with other studies
Methodology: A 15 year cytological review of 2082 Papanicolau smear for cervical cytology was carried out from January 1993 to December 2007
Results: Of the 2082 cervical cytology smears reviewed, 755(36.3%) were normal, 840(40.3%) showed inflammatory changes, while 132(6.3%) revealed infective agents. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) was seen in 162 (7.8%) of cases while invasive cancer was suspected in 13(0.6%). All were subsequently confirmed by histology. One hundred and sixty six (7.9%) of the smears were unsatisfactory.
Conclusion: cytological screening for cervical cancer is low in Maiduguri and efforts need to be made to increase the coverage which could subsequently lead to reduction in cervical cancer related deaths.
