[Comparison of conventional PAP smear with liquid based cytology method (LBC)]

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Cytopathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Cervical cancer screening is crucial for early detection and prevention.
• Conventional Pap smears have limitations, including unsatisfactory sample rates.
• Liquid-based cytology (LBC) has emerged as an alternative screening method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of liquid-based cytology (LBC) with conventional Pap smears for cervical cancer screening.
• To evaluate the performance of LBC based on various criteria, including unsatisfactory results and specificity for LSIL.
• To summarize national and international experience with both screening methods.

Main Methods:

• A clinical trial was conducted on 100 patients at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria.
• Conventional Pap smears and liquid-based cytology (LBC) samples were collected and compared.
• Data analysis focused on criteria such as sample adequacy and diagnostic accuracy for LSIL.

Main Results:

• Liquid-based cytology (LBC) demonstrated significant advantages, notably a lower rate of unsatisfactory results.
• LBC exhibited higher specificity for detecting low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL).
• The study's findings align with international research, showing similar positive trends for LBC.

Conclusions:

• The benefits of liquid-based cytology (LBC) in cervical cancer screening are well-established and supported by both national and international evidence.
• Despite its advantages, LBC is currently underutilized in Bulgaria.
• Further adoption of LBC is recommended to improve cervical cancer screening outcomes.