Should I worry about atypical squamous cells?
The iodine stains healthy cells brown, while abnormal cells maintain their typical white or yellow color. A biopsy may be performed in which the physician removes a small amount of cervical tissue for examination by a pathologist. This is the only sure way to determine whether the abnormal cells indicate cancer. Abnormal Pap Smear | ColumbiaDoctors columbiadoctors.org treatments-conditions columbiadoctors.org treatments-conditions
What is the most common reason for an abnormal Pap smear?
In most cases, an abnormal Pap test is a result of: A human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. A sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD), such as herpes or trichomoniasis. A bacterial or yeast infection.
What are the five categories of Pap smear abnormalities?
What are the different types of abnormal results? Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) Atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H) Atypical glandular cells (AGC)
What does ascus mean on a Pap smear?
The irregular cells identified by Pap test results are classified as low grade or high grade. Low grade changes mean there are mild changes to the cells, and high grade changes indicate moderate to severe changes. These results help your doctor determine if further testing is needed. Types of Abnormal Pap Test Results - NYU Langone Health nyulangone.org conditions types nyulangone.org conditions types
Why is my Pap smear abnormal but not cancer?
An abnormal Pap test result rarely means cancer is present, especially in someone who has regular, annual Pap tests. An abnormal result means there are cells in the cervix that look unusual, which can be caused by yeast or bacterial infection, irritation, benign growths, hormonal changes, or pre-cancer.
What is the most common abnormality in a Pap smear?
Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) is the most common abnormal finding from a Pap smear. It means that some of the cells from a Pap smear did not look entirely normal but did not meet the diagnostic criteria for a lesion (meaning an area of abnormal tissue).
Meaning
What does an abnormal pap smear indicate?
In most cases, the presence of abnormal squamous cells does not indicate the presence of cervical cancer. However, abnormal Pap results should always be discussed with a medical professional so that an individualized action plan can be created.
What percentage of abnormal Pap smears are cancerous?
Most of the abnormal cells found during a Pap test are the result of a cervical or vaginal infection and are not cancerous. Abnormal Pap tests are very common. In fact, of the 3 million women with abnormal Pap tests each year, less than 1% (13,240 cases) will be diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Appearance
What does an abnormal pap smear look like?
Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US): This is the most common abnormal Pap test finding. It means that some cells dont look completely normal, but its not clear if the changes are caused by HPV infection.
Does abnormal Pap mean STD?
An abnormal Pap test result rarely means cancer is present, especially in someone who has regular, annual Pap tests. An abnormal result means there are cells in the cervix that look unusual, which can be caused by yeast or bacterial infection, irritation, benign growths, hormonal changes, or pre-cancer. Abnormal Pap Tests Are Common, So What Do They Mean? columbiadoctors.org news abnormal-pap columbiadoctors.org news abnormal-pap
