Understanding Your Pap Results
Many women
become greatly concerned when they are informed of an abnormal pap result. Often, the initial thought or reaction is: Do
I have cervical cancer? Although the
purpose of the Pap test is to screen for cervical cancer, we most often find
precancerous pap results.
An abnormal
pap test can be reported in many different stages. The most common abnormal pap results are
ASCUS (with or without HPV), LGIL, and HGIL.
- ASCUS
is short for Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance. This means that the cervical cells
appear different than normal but could not be categorized in either the
low-grade or high-grade diagnoses.
When an ASCUS pap is noted, a HPV test is performed to detect the
presence of Human Papilloma Virus.
- + HPV: If HPV is present, it in necessary for
the women to undergo a colposcopy and possible biopsy to determine the grade
level of the lesion.
- -
HPV: If HPV is not present, the pap is
considered normal. The cervical cells
may appear different from irritation (such as from yeast or bacterial
infection) or atrophy (in postmenopausal women). Follow-up is another pap and HPV test in 1
year.
- LSIL
is Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions. This indicates that the cervical cells
are mildly abnormal. However, it is
necessary to move on to colposcopy in order to evaluate the cervix more
closely.
- HSIL
is High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions. This indicates moderate to severely
abnormal cells. Colposcopy and
biopsy are performed.
What Can I Do About My Abnormal Pap Result?
If you are between the ages of 9
and 26, get the HPV vaccine (Gardasil).
This vaccine can help boost your immunity to HPV and also protect you
from the 4 types of HPV contained in the vaccine. Most importantly, come to all your treatment and
follow-up visits!
Cyndi Ayoub, WHNP posted 5/1/09
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