Pattern of Changes in Papanicolaou Smears for Patients Visiting Alwazart PHC, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Tests such as the Papanicolaou smear are considered the gold standard for cervical cancer screening, which is available in almost every public health center and very effective in early detection of malignant or even premalignant lesion. Aim: Promote early detection of changes in pap smears and improve services in well women health clinics. Methods: This descriptive cross-section study was conducted in Alwazart primary healthcare center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for all women whose age above 21, and pap smear test done in July 2015-July 2020 were included. Results: In our study, pathological cervical cell changes begin at an earlier age, with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance starting at a median age of 28. Nonetheless, low grade squamous interepithelial lesions were common in 35-year-olds. Atypical glandular cells and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were found in 1.4% of Pap smears. The median age of the study group was 44.88. Conclusion: Pap smears in our community show abnormal cellular changes at an earlier age. The most effective preventive methods for cervical cancer are routine screening and vaccination against HPV.