Effectiveness of Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and Pap Smear for Early Detection of Cervical Cancer among Women attending Gynecology O.P.D of Tertiary Level Hospital Gwalior (M.P) India

Abstract

Introduction:

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer in women in the world and the second most common cancer among Indian women. About 23% of the global cervical cancer burden is beard by India alone. The screening of cervical cancer is commonly done by a pap smear, visual inspection of acetic acid, human papillomavirus DNA testing etc. These identify precancerous changes which when treated can prevent the development of cancer. The objectives of the study were to screen the patient at Gynecology OPD by visual Inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and Pap smear for early detection of cervical cancer and to evaluate the efficacy of visual inspection with acetic acid and Pap smear in the early detection of cervical cancer.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 women attending Gynecology O.P.D of a Tertiary Level Hospital, Gwalior (India) by non-probability purposive sampling technique between 1^st August to 30^th August 2017. Pap smear was taken from each woman followed by VIA. Women with positive VIA and/or positive Pap smear were referred for colposcopy-directed cervical biopsy.

Results:

After the application of 3% VIA among 60 women, 16 (26.67%) developed acetowhite while 44 (73.33%) didn’t. While the result of Pap smear shows, 22 (36.66%) had an inflammatory smear, 6(10%) shows benign smear, 9(15%) bacterial vaginosis, 1(1.66%) squamous metaplastic cells, 12 (20%) shows adenocarcinoma and 10(16.66%) normal pap smear. 

Conclusion:

The study concludes that VIA and pap smear were effective methods for the early detection of cervical cancer. Visual inspection of the cervix after acetic acid application (VIA) is widely recommended as the method of choice in cervical cancer screening programs in resource-limited settings and developing countries because of its simplicity, cost-effectiveness and ability to link with immediate treatment.