PRECURSOR LESIONS OF CERVICAL CANCER IN PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED IN THE GYNECO-OBSTETRICS DEPARTMENT, IPS - 2023

Abstract

The incidence of cervical cancer has increased in recent years, and its precursor lesions, such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, may arise up to a decade before invasive carcinoma. These alterations are usually asymptomatic and are identified through cytology, colposcopy, and biopsy. This descriptive and retrospective study aimed to determine the frequency of precursor lesions in women hospitalized in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of IPS in 2023. Data from 210 patients were analyzed, with a median age of 47 years. The predominant age group was 35 to 54 years (55.7%). Regarding lesion types, 21.2% were low-grade and 30.8% high-grade. Most low-grade lesions occurred between 35 and 44 years, whereas high-grade lesions were more frequent between 45 and 54 years. The findings are consistent with Latin American data showing higher occurrence of high-grade lesions in women over 40. The clinical relevance lies in the increased risk of progression to invasive carcinoma. High-grade lesions were the most frequent, reinforcing the importance of HPV vaccination, early screening, and timely treatment.