[Position of cervix cancer detection in Gabon over a period of 19 years].

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We report the contribution of the cytology test for screening for cervix cancer in Gabon observed in a retrospective study over 19 years (1977-1995). Data from the Libreville Faculty of Medicine cytohistopathology laboratory were used.

RESULTS

Over the 19-year period, 10,838 PAP smears were performed, an average of 570,42 smears per year. Sixty-eight cases of cervix cancer were diagnosed with this test: 40 invasive carcinomas (58.83%), 5 microinvasive carcinomas (7.35%), and 23 in situ carcinomas (33.82%). During the same period, 437 cervix cancers were reported in the same laboratory without prior cytology test.

CONCLUSION

In Gabon, cervix cancer is usually diagnosed at an invasive stage, hence the need for systematic detection.