RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CERVICAL INSPECTION AND CYTOPATHOLOGICAL REPORT OF THE PAPA SCREEN EXAM IN PARANÁ

Abstract

Objective: Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women, and its prevention depends on effective screening strategies. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between visual inspection of the cervix and cytopathological reports of the Pap smear. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that used data from the Cancer Information System (SISCAN) of the state of Paraná, covering the period from 2015 to 2023. The analysis compared the results of visual inspections (normal or altered) with cytopathological reports (normal or altered) to assess the agreement between the methods. Results: The research revealed that, although visual inspection can be a useful complementary tool, its accuracy is limited when compared to cytopathological examination. Most inspections considered normal resulted in negative cytopathological reports (normal), while a significant portion of the altered inspections also presented normal cytopathological reports. Conclusion: These findings suggest that cytopathological examination should continue to be the main screening method, with visual inspection serving as an important complement.