Sensitivity of conventional PAP smear in picking up cervical cancer is: September 2007
**Core Concept**
The conventional PAP smear is a screening test used to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which can potentially develop into cervical cancer. It relies on the cytological examination of cervical cells collected through a speculum-assisted procedure. However, its sensitivity is limited due to various factors.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The sensitivity of the conventional PAP smear in detecting cervical cancer is approximately 70-80%. This limitation is attributed to the fact that PAP smear results may be inconclusive or false-negative in cases of low-grade lesions, early-stage cancer, or in women with poor cervical mucus quality. Furthermore, the test requires a skilled cytopathologist to accurately interpret the slides, which can lead to variability in results. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women with abnormal PAP smear results undergo colposcopy or other diagnostic procedures for further evaluation.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as it suggests a higher sensitivity than the conventional PAP smear, which is not supported by available evidence.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as it implies a significantly lower sensitivity than the actual value, which may lead to underestimation of the test's effectiveness.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as it suggests a sensitivity range that is not supported by current medical literature.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The conventional PAP smear has a limited sensitivity, and its results should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings and risk factors to ensure accurate diagnosis and management of cervical cancer.
**Correct Answer: C. 70-80%.**