Cytopathological alterations in the cervix of women that were attended at the 8th Regional of the Public Healthcare System - in a district in the state of Parana in 2014

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a worldwide public health problem, being the third neoplasm that affects more women around the world. The cytopathological exam is used for screening cervical cancer, allowing early detection of the neoplasm precursor lesions. The objective of this study was to identify cytological alterations of the cervix in women being attended at the 8th Health Regional of the state of Parana in 2014. This is an exploratory and documental study with a quantitative approach. Data were collected at the 8th Health Regional of in the state of Parana through the Cancer Information System. In 2014, 1022 cytopathology testings in the public healthcare system presented some alteration, so the positivity rate of cytological test for cervical cancer was 3.7%. Regarding women’s age, a higher frequency was observed in the age group between 41-64 years old with 49.8%; the main change found was atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, possibly non-neoplastic, and/or lowgrade intra-epithelial lesions, representing 81.1%. The importance of the complete screening test is highlighted, since the number of low-grade alterations found is high; this allows an early diagnosis that can ensure a successful treatment, reducing the causes of morbidity and mortality from this cancer.