Low-Cost Imaging for Cervical Cancer Prevention in the Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley
Low-Cost Imaging for Cervical Cancer Prevention in the Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley
The purpose of this study is to evaluate a different type of medical equipment called "High-Resolution Microendoscope" (HRME) for the diagnosis of cervical pre-cancerous lesions and cervical cancer. The investigators want to compare patients' clinical findings using the current equipment used in clinic with the clinical findings using new equipment we are testing on this research project. If the new equipment is proven to give comparable findings with current equipment being used, doctors might be able to offer a diagnosis and treat cervical lesions in one visit. It might not be necessary to wait for cervical biopsies to come back before women would receive the indicated treatment. Study subjects are being asked to participate because they have been diagnosed with an abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) PAP smear, positive human papillomavirus (HPV) test or history of cervical dysplasia and need to have a colposcopic examination to determine the reason for abnormal results and receive treatment.
Investigators will start the participants' examination with colposcopic evaluation using current equipment as determined by standard of care. But, if cervical biopsies are indicated, before performing biopsies, for research purposes only - investigators will:
The entire re-evaluation with the new equipment should add less than 10 minutes to the standard examination.
When a woman is found to have an abnormal PAP smear, depending on the findings and clinical history, most women will need to be further evaluated with a colposcope in order to understand the reason for the abnormal PAP and determine the best treatment. This is called colposcopic examination and it is the standard of care. This procedure is performed in the clinic, patient is positioned on the examining table the same way she is positioned for a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear, a speculum is placed inside the vaginal canal, and certain substances are applied to the cervix in order to identify cervical lesions. These substances might include acetic acid and/or Lugol's iodine solution. The application of these substances helps to delineate the abnormal cervical areas that might need to be biopsied. For the purpose of this research study, before obtaining the biopsies, a second evaluation will be performed using the equipment that is being studied (High- Resolution Microendoscope) and using a different substance that will be applied to the cervix. This substance is called Proflavine 0.01%. . This second evaluation should not take more than 10 minutes. After completing this second evaluation, participants' clinical examination and clinical visit should continue as routine.
The anticipated total number of subjects involved in the study will be 150 women. All these anticipated participating women would be from The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Su Clinica and UT Health Science Center (UT-HSC) Mobile Van. The length of time for participation is 1 year. However, during the participants' year of enrollment she might have only one examination, during one of her visits,using the research equipment.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: