Abnormal Pap smear occurs when pre-cancerous or cancerous cells are identified.
Pap smear is also known as a cervical cytology-screening test.
A Pap smear is a simple, fast, and relatively painless medical procedure to determine the signs of cervix cancer.
The cervix is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the vagina.
Trained health care professionals perform this test. For a pap smear, a sample of cells from cervix is collected and examined microscopically to determine if you have cervical cancer or if you are at risk of developing cervical cancer.
A negative Pap smear means that your results are normal. A positive Pap smear means that your results are abnormal. An abnormal Pap smear can be a sign of a number of changes in the cells on your cervix.
The changes in the cell are classified as
ASC:It stands for Atypical Squamous Cells. These squamous cells usually form on the surface of your cervix. However, ASC is divided into two categories: ASC-US and ASC-H
Abnormal Pap smear resulting ASC-US indicates that some of your cervix cells are abnormal. Although some cells are abnormal, your doctor may not understand the reason for the changes in the cells or its impact on you.
However, these changes are not serious and usually caused by a vaginal infection or by a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus facts). With this condition, you may be required to have a follow-up examination such as a repeat Pap smear or HPV test.
On the other hand, an Abnormal Pap smear resulting ASC-H indicates that some of your cells are abnormal and possibly they may be precancerous. With this condition, you are recommended to perform a colposcopy, where a closer cervix examination will be done.
AGC:It stands for Atypical Glandular Cells. Glandular cells produce mucus and are located in your cervix or uterus. An abnormal Pap smear resulting AGC indicates that some of your glandular cells are abnormal.
These changes in cells of cervix are usually more serious. You, with AGC usually have a higher risk for cervical cancer (Vaccine for Cervical Cancer). Your doctor may recommend you to have a colposcopy to determine if any irregular tissue is present.
LSIL: It stands for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. An abnormal Pap smear resulting this condition indicates that there are early changes in the size and shape of the cells in the cervix.
It is often associated with the presence of HPV. Your doctor will recommend to perform a colposcopy, HPV testing or a repeat Pap smear.
HSIL: It stands for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. An abnormal Pap smear resulting this condition means the cells are very unusual from normal cells, which are usually precancerous and can lead to cervical cancer. A colposcopy is recommended to determine your risk for cancer.
Inflammation:If an inflammation is present in the cells, then it results as an abnormal Pap smear. Inflammation of the cervix is very common and usually does not harm. If the inflammation is severe, then you need to have a repeat Pap smear to find the cause.
