The cytological pattern of cervical smears of a series of Saudi women in one gynecologic center

S.A. Alharbi, F.D. Alshammari, M.I. Humaida, E.K. Abdalhabib, M.A. Babikir Bealy, A.E.O. Elkhalifa, A.A. Agabeldour, F.F. Alshammari

Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Al-Quwayiyah, Saudi Arabia. Fawazabof@gmail.com

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• Gynecology
• Oncology

OBJECTIVE: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is a type of abnormal cervical epithelial development that can lead to cervical malignancy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the cytological pattern of cervical smears from a group of Saudi women who visited a single gynecologic center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: From May 2020 to May 2021, 300 women were referred to the cytopathology laboratory and their cytological materials were collected. Because of gynecologic concerns, the women in the study were referred for Pap smears. As part of the obligatory investigations in conjunction with the clinical assessment, a Pap smear is requested.

RESULTS: CIN of various grades was found in 11% of the women. High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HSIL) were the most detected modifications, followed by Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASUS) and Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (LSIL), accounting for 36.4%, 33.3%, and 30.3%, respectively. In 23.7% of the women, inflammatory cell infiltrations were found. Infection with Candida Albicans was identified in 2.3% of the women. In 15.8% of the patients, cytological evidence of bacterial infection was found.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CIN has been growing in Saudi Arabia in recent years, implying a probable involvement in the spread of HPV. Most CIN cases associated with middle age point to HPV infection at a younger age. There is no link between estrogen and/or progesterone levels and CIN.

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