Abstract Background: Routine screening test like Pap smear test can detect early changes in the cervical epithelial cells, thereby facilitating the appropriate management of the disease. The present study investigates the distribution of cervical lesions among rural Indian population from a single center. Methods: The cross-sectional study, conducted between 2015 and 2017, evaluated 281 cervical smears obtained from female subjects aged 20-75 yrs, suspected with abnormalities. The smears collected were subjected to Pap smear test, and interpreted according to Bethesda system of classification 2001. The subjects were grouped based on the age as: 20-40 yrs, 1-50 yrs, 51-70 yrs, and 71-80 yrs, and the age-wise distribution of various types of cervical lesions was evaluated. Results: Out of the 281 smears; abnormal, atrophic, and normal smears were noted in 89.67%, 5.69%, and 4.62% respectively. Smears negative and positive for intraepithelial lesions or malignancies were noted in 6.86%, and 12.81% of the cases respectively. AGUS, LSIL, HSIL, and SCC were more frequent in women belonging to >50 years of age. Conclusion: The present study showed higher incidence of intraepithelial lesions in elderly women (>50 yrs) compared to other age groups.
Keywords: ASCUS; HSIL; NILM; Pap Smear; SCC.