Publication: Effectiveness of Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and Cervical Cytology in Early Detection of Precursors of Cervical Cancer in Nepal
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Cervical cancer ranks as the first, most frequent cancer amongst Nepalese women.
This can be prevented through primary prevention and early detection using
screening techniques. Though cervical cytology is a standard screening tool in most
of the developed countries, it fails to be the screening method of choice in low
and middle income countries (LMICs) with limited resources due to financial and
technical constraints.
Objective
This study aims at early detection of pre-cancerous lesion in cervix with cervical
cytology and visual inspection with acetic acid.
Method
This is a hospital based, descriptive cross-sectional study. It included 104 women
attending Obstetrics and Gynecology out-patient department (OPD) in Dhulikhel
Hospital. Visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid (VIA) and liquid based cytology
(LBC) was performed followed by cervical biopsy for positive VIA, or having abnormal
cytology, or having unhealthy appearance of cervix even after treatment.
Result
The incidence of positive VIA and cytology screening was 38.5% and 7.7% respectively.
The negative predictive value of VIA and cytology were similar whereas VIA was
found to be more sensitive than cytology.
Conclusion
Cytology screening is used as an investigation of choice for screening of cervical
cancer. In Nepal, VIA can be a good alternative for early detection of cervical cancer
as it is found to be more sensitive than cytology.
KEY WORDS
Cervical cancer, Cervical cytology, Premalignant lesion, Screening, Visual inspection
with acetic acid
Description
Dongol Singh A, Shakya S, Mudbari J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital
Kathmandu Universirt School of Medical Sciences
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
Keywords
Cervical cancer, Cervical cytology, Premalignant lesion, Screening, Visual inspection with acetic acid