Abstract :
Introduction: Atypical squamous cells (ASC) refer to cytologic changes suggestive of Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (SIL), but which are qualitatively or quantitatively insufficient for a definitive interpretation as such. This study aims to calculate number of cases in particular age group and calculate ASC/SIL ratio reporting using quality metrics like Atypical Squamous Cells (which include both atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and atypical squamous cell -cannot rule out high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion)/Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (ASC/SIL) ratio. Bethesda system suggests that ASC/SIL ratio for an individual or laboratory should be less than 2:1 or 3:1.Material & Methods: The present study was conducted in the Dept. of Pathology at tertiary care teaching hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Cases from December 2022 to December2024 were taken. The study included conventional pap-stained smears of ASCUS, ASC-H, LSIL, HSIL and SCC. A total of 536 cases were studied. ASC/SIL ratio was calculated. ASC component included ASC-US and ASC-H. SIL component included LSIL, HSIL, and SCC. Results: Out of the total 536 cases, 356 cases were ASCUS and ASC-H and 180 cases were LSIL, HSIL, and SCC. ASC/SIL ratio was obtained by dividing the sum of all ASC cases by the sum of all SIL cases. The ratio obtained was 1.97:1 which is below the upper benchmark of 3:1.Conclusion: It is essential to have good-quality cytopathology reports for early identification, which enables appropriate management. The most commonly used quality indicator for cervical cytopathology is the ASC/SIL ratio. Bethesda system has suggested that the ratio should be less than 3 and others have suggested that lower ratios are desirable.
Keyword :
The Bethesda System, PAP smear, Intraepithelial Lesion.