Cervical cancer is one of the leading cancers in women with an estimated 500,000 new cases every year of which 80% occur in developing countries. Early detection and appropriate timely treatment of its preinvasive lesions reduces the mortality. The Papanicolaou test introduced by George Papanicolaou as cervical pathology screening test in 1941 was performed using cells from transformation zone helps in early detection. Pap test can detect 75% endometrial cancers and 90% cervical cancers. Aim: To study the cytological pattern of cervicalsmear in patients attending gynaecology outpatient department, Govt Rajaji Hospital, Madurai. Materials and Methods: Among 10143 cases attended OPD of Govt Rajaji Hospital (Gynaec) Madurai between the periods of June 2016 to December 2016. 528 patients with complaints of white discharge pervaginum subjected to Pap smear screening. Results: Among 528 Pap smear 198 showed normal study, 262 were inflammatory smear, 63 had inadequate sample material, 1 atrophic smear, 1 dysplasia, 1 metaplasia. Conclusion: Pap smear is highly sensitive in detecting abnormal cervical smear according to our study.

Keywords: Cervical Cytology; Pap Smear; Bethesda System.