Desenvolvimento de colposcópio de baixo custo para o auxílio na prevenção de câncer de colo uterino

Abstract

Cervical cancer, one of the most common types of cancer in women, can be prevented if pre-malignant lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) are diagnosed. As a result, treatment for the disease becomes much simpler and less aggressive. The major problem is that pre-malignant lesions are asymptomatic, so when symptoms appear, it is concluded that cancer is already developing. This highlights the importance of regular examinations for detecting pre-malignant lesions. The tests used for the prevention of these lesions are oncotic cytology, also known as the Pap test, colposcopy, and histopathology. These are the methods used in diagnosing precursor cervical lesions of cervical cancer. One problem encountered in this prevention is the accessibility to a diagnostic aid called a colposcope, as there are regions that do not have the device. With this in mind, the proposed project is a low-cost device to assist doctors in the analysis during gynecological examinations, specifically for performing colposcopy. This project, which is part of the Professional Master's Program in Technological Innovation (PMPIT), will involve a qualitative field research. A low-cost device will be proposed, with its structure made of easily accessible materials or printed using a 3D printer. Combinations of lenses will be used to achieve the necessary magnification of the cervical region during colposcopy, and the image will be presented to the doctor through a smartphone. This way, the medical office, clinic, or any other medical institution where the examination is performed will not require costly infrastructure such as a computer and a conventional colposcope to conduct the examination, making colposcopy accessible to women