[Cytological detection of lesions of the uterine cervix: results of a campaign in Senegal].

The authors have analysed the results of 5131 Papanicolaou tests carried out in Senegal between November 1980 and July 1983. They emphasize the importance of classes II and III, which correspond to lesions that can be treated so as to ensure prevention of cervical cancer. The classical etiopathogenic factors of this type of cancer are studied, and results obtained from a group tested systematically are compared with those of a group that were tested only at the time of a gynaecological examination for another purpose. This comparison demonstrated the usefulness of systematic screening. The authors propose a scheme for organizing the prevention and screening of this type of cancer at the subregional level in Africa.