PAP Smear: Analysis of 10 Years Results (1992-2001)

Jang, Jun Hyuk; Kim, Sang Hun; Jang, Seok Hyun; An, Tae Sun; Weon, Jong Cheon; Jung, Kang Woo; Kim, Yong Pil

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of PAP smear as a screening tool for cervical cancer by evaluating the result of a review of 34,970 cases of PAP smear at Pohang St. Mary's Hospital.
METHODS
From January, 1992 to December, 2001 cytologic examination of 34,970 women were analysed and the results were reviewed.
RESULTS
1. The average of annual screening rate was 14.8%. 2. Abnormal cytology rate was 2.02% including 1.02% of ASCUS, 0.99% of class III, 0.20% of class IV and 0.30% of class V. 3. 8.28% of the women screened were aged less than 30 years, 31.8% <40 years, 33.2% <50 years, 17.5% <60 years, 7.3% <70 years and 1.9% >or=70 years respectively. 4. Of the 188 patients who had a cytologic diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), 127 (68%) were followed up, 99 (78%) were normal and 28 (22%) had squamous intraepithelial lesion. 5. The prevalence rate of cervical neoplasia confirmed by histopathology for the past 10 years was 1.53%. Of those the rate of invasive cervical cancer was 0.65%. 6. The false negative rate was 17.3% and false positive rate was 4.5%. 7. The sensitivity and specificity and positive predictive value of PAP smear were 82.7%, 95.5% and 90.2%.
CONCLUSION
For PAP smear to be early detecting tool for cervical cancer, continuous effort is required to raise annual screening rate, to lower the false negative rate, and to raise the sensitivity of PAP smear.