ASCUS is an acronym for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance.
It also explains what happens next if you get an abnormal Pap smear result.
Keep in mind that a positive result doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer.
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There are several classifications used to describe abnormal Pap smear results.
How Common Is ASCUS?
Low hormone levels in postmenopausal women can also lead to an ASCUS diagnosis.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
SIL can be considered precancer but is best described asdysplasia(meaning the abnormal growth of cells).
LSIL is very common and typically goes away on its own without treatment.
HSIL may lead to cancer if left untreated.
More testing is needed.
Squamous Cell Cancer or Adenocarcinoma Cells
Bothsquamous cell carcinoma (SCC)andadenocarcinomaare cancers.
This is usually five years for HPV testing or co-testing.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Your provider can help you evaluate if it makes sense in your case.
Summary
A Pap smear is a procedure that screens for cervical cancer.
A negative result means that no abnormal cells were found.
Depending on your Pap smear result, follow-up testing may be necessary.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Abnormal cervical cancer screening test results.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Pap smears.
Eun TJ, Perkins RB.Screening for cervical cancer.Med Clin North Am.
2020 Nov;104(6):1063-1078. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2020.08.006.
