Abstract

SOUSA, Maísa Silva de et al. Profile of cervical cytological examinations performed at the Pará State Central Laboratory, Brazil. Rev Pan-Amaz Saude [online]. 2011, vol.2, n.2, pp.27-32. ISSN 2176-6215.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S2176-62232011000200004.

This study aimed to identify the profile of cervical cytological exams by analyzing all slides collected in 16 cities in Pará State and sent to the Pará State Central Laboratory (Lacen-PA) during 2008. Data were analyzed using the binomial and Fisher's exact tests to identify the statistical significance of the proportional differences based on a 95% confidence level. Of the 26,203 exams, approximately 3.7% (n = 970) were considered unsatisfactory, and 4.05% (n = 1060) showed some type of cytological change. The incidence of atypical cells suggestive of potentially malignant lesions (high-grade and microinvasive intraepithelial lesions) and of invasive cancer were 0.9% (n = 236) and 0.1% (n = 25), respectively. Exam results suggestive of invasive cancer were found in 0.17% (10/5,995) of women who had never had cervical cancer preventive examinations (Pap smears) and in 0.08% (14/17,932) of women who had already undergone the exam (p = 0.0301). In the Brazilian literature, the incidence of cytological changes suggestive of invasive cancer was highest among women diagnosed via primary care services. That incidence was higher for women who had never had the exam. This finding may indicate a gap in cervical cancer prevention coverage in Pará State.

Keywords : Public Health; Unified Health System; Primary Health Care; Women's Health Services; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms.

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