Sensitivity and Specificity of Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) and with Lugol Iodine (VILI) in the Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer in the Northern Region of Cameroon

Cervical cancer is one of the major causes of women death worldwide. The aim of this study was to test the sensitivity and specificity of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and visual inspection with lugol iodine (VILI) as a diagnostic test for cervical cancer in comparison with Pap smear in the North Cameroon region. 309 women aged between 20 to 62 years were recruited in this study. 307 were included in the statistical analyzes. Each woman was screened for cervical cancer by a conventional smear and visual inspection with acetic acid 5% and the lugol solution. The prevalence of precancerous lesions of cervix was 12.70%. The risk factors of cervical cancer identified were age, matrimonial status, age of first sexual intercourse, and parity. The association of VIA and VILI showed sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 93.58%, 97.01%, 82.01%, and 99.04%, respectively. VIA-VILI were revealed as good screening tests for cervical cancer in the present context. Early detection and treatment of cervical lesions and also faith against the risk factors should help to reduce the mortality and morbidity of this pathology.