“SPECTRUM OF CERVICAL PRECANCEROUS AND CANCEROUS LESION IN LIQUID BASED CYTOLOGY SMEARS AND ITS CORRELATION WITH HPV TYPING’’

Abstract

Background:
Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Liquid-based cytology (LBC) has emerged as a more sensitive and reliable method compared to conventional Pap smears for detecting cervical epithelial abnormalities. Human papillomavirus (HPV),especially high-risk genotypes, plays a crucial etiological role in the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive carcinoma.

Objectives:
This study aims to evaluate the spectrum of precancerous and cancerous lesions in LBC smears and to correlate the cytological findings with high-risk HPV typing.

Materials and Methods: A total of 100 cervical samples were collected from women attending the gynecology outpatient department. LBC smears were prepared and evaluated using the Bethesda System 2014 for reporting cervical cytology. Concurrently, HPV DNA testing was performed using PCR-based methods to detect high-risk HPV genotypes. Cytological findings were then correlated with HPV typing results.

Results:
Among the analyzed cases, the distribution of cytological findings ranged from ASCUS(Atypical Squamous Cell Of Undetermined Significance) to invasive carcinoma. A significant correlation was observed between high-grade lesions and positivity for high-risk HPV types, particularly HPV 16 and 18. The sensitivity of LBC in detecting high-grade lesions was enhanced when combined with HPV testing.

Conclusion:
The study highlights a high prevalence of LSIL cases in the Vindhya region, with HPV-16 as the most common genotype. It recommends targeted screening, especially for LSIL cases, and strongly advocates HPV vaccination in younger females.