Cervical cancer screening in Porto Alegre, Brazil: alternative methods for detecting cancer precursors in a developing country

J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2001 Jan;5(1):24-8. doi: 10.1046/j.1526-0976.2001.51005.x.

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to test the performance characteristics of cervical cancer screening by visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid and iodine solution.

Methods: A total of 100 women were screened for cervical cancer by Pap smear and naked eye inspection of the cervix after application of acetic acid and iodine solution.

Results: Comparing visual inspection to the Pap test, a sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity of 78.5%, and concordance of 79% (p < .0011) was established. Comparing the Pap test with colposcopy, the corresponding figures were 42.9%, 92.3%, and 66.6% (p < .077), respectively. Visual inspection compared to colposcopy showed corresponding figures of 100%, 7.7%, and 55.5% (p = .48), respectively. Colposcopy and biopsy had an agreement of 100%.

Conclusions: Visual inspection with acetic acid and iodine solution proved to be a reasonable method of screening for cervical cancer precursors.