A comparison of sensitivity and specificity test of low grade and high grade cervical lesions by Pap smear and colposcopy versus cervical pathology

Abstract

         This retrospective descriptive study aims to compare sensitivity and specificity of Low and High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL and HSIL) ) from Pap smear. In addition, Low grade lesion (LGL) and High grade lesion (HGL) from colposcopy procedure were also studied. Data were collected from the Colposcopy clinic at Sanpatong Hospital, Chiangmai, during 1^st June, 2014 to 31^th March 30, 2017. A total of 160 patients who found abnormal by colposcopy and biopsy were included for retrospective descriptive analysis.

            Results found that sensitivity and specificity of HSIL were higher than LSIL (68.6%, 84.8% and 51.6%, 80.0%). The sensitivity of LGL was higher than HGL (77.4%, 72.7%), but it was opposite as the specificity of LGL that was lower than HGL (68.6%, 78.8%). In low grade cervical lesion detected by colposcopy showed higher sensitivity (77.4%, 72.7%), but it showed less specificity (68.6%) than that detected by high grade cervical lesion of Pap smear       (51.6%, 80.0%). The sensitivity of high grade lesions by Pap smear and colposcopy showed no difference, but it showed higher specificity than colposcopy respectively (84.8%, 78.8%). Moreover, cervicitis can cause reduction in sensitivity of LSIL and LGL. From this study the high risk group was recommended to be examined by Pap smear annually. Furthermore patients who had cervicitis should receive a proper treatment before screening by Pap smear.