Mortality from cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer
related deaths in developing countries. Organized cytological
screening in developed countries has reduced significantly deaths
related to cervical cancer. Opportunistic screenings offered in
most parts of the developing world hardly cater for those at high
risk.
Objective:To review Pap smears in Maiduguri and compare our
findings with other studies
Methodology: A 15 year cytological review of 2082 Papanicolau
smear for cervical cytology was carried out from January 1993 to
December 2007
Results: Of the 2082 cervical cytology smears reviewed,
755(36.3%) were normal, 840(40.3%) showed inflammatory
changes, while 132(6.3%) revealed infective agents. Cervical
intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) was seen in 162 (7.8%) of cases
while invasive cancer was suspected in 13(0.6%). All were
subsequently confirmed by histology. One hundred and sixty six
(7.9%) of the smears were unsatisfactory.
Conclusion: cytological screening for cervical cancer is low in
Maiduguri and efforts need to be made to increase the coverage
which could subsequently lead to reduction in cervical cancer
related deaths.