How do I read my pap smear results?

How do you read pap smear results?

A Pap test result can be normal, unclear, or abnormal.
  1. Normal. A normal (or “negative”) result means that no cell changes were found on your cervix. …
  2. Unclear (ASC-US) It is common for test results to come back unclear. …
  3. Abnormal. An abnormal result means that cell changes were found on your cervix. …
  4. Negative. …
  5. Positive.

How do I know if my Pap smear is normal?

A normal, also called negative, Pap smear result indicates that no evidence of abnormal cells were found in the sample. An abnormal, or positive, result on a Pap smear indicates that abnormal cells were detected in the sample and additional treatment or testing may be necessary.

What does HPV 16 and 18 negative mean?

A positive result indicates the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA due to 1 or more of the following genotypes: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68. A negative result indicates the absence of HPV DNA of the targeted genotypes.

What is Ascus positive?

Listen to pronunciation. A finding of abnormal cells in the tissue that lines the outer part of the cervix. ASCUS is the most common abnormal finding in a Pap test. It may be a sign of infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) or other types of infection, such as a yeast infection.

What shows up on a Pap smear?

Pap tests (or Pap smears) look for cancers and precancers in the cervix. Precancers are cell changes that can be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). If not treated, these abnormal cells could lead to cervical cancer. An HPV test looks for HPV in cervical cells.

What is normal Pap smear result?

A Pap smear checks for any cells that don’t look healthy and normal and may be cancerous. A normal result means that all of the cells in your cervix look healthy and normal. They are not cancerous. A normal result is good news.

What is an abnormal Pap smear?

When your doctor says that your Pap test, or Pap smear, was abnormal, it means that the test found some cells on your cervix that do not look normal. A Pap test may be done as part of a woman’s routine physical exam, because it’s the best way to prevent cervical cancer.

What are the symptoms of abnormal cervical cells?

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
  • Abnormal bleeding, such as. Bleeding between regular menstrual periods. Bleeding after sexual intercourse. …
  • Pelvic pain not related to your menstrual cycle.
  • Heavy or unusual discharge that may be watery, thick, and possibly have a foul odor.
  • Increased urinary frequency.
  • Pain during urination.

What is HPV high-risk?

Listen to pronunciation. (hy-risk …) A type of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cervical cancer and other types of cancer, such as cancers of the anus, vagina, vulva, penis, and oropharynx. Chronic infection with high-risk HPV can lead to cell changes that, if not treated, may become cancer.

Can you clear HPV after 30?

There is no cure for HPV, but 70% to 90% of infections are cleared by the immune system and become undetectable. HPV peaks in young women around age of sexual debut and declines in the late 20s and 30s. But women’s risk for HPV is not over yet: There is sometimes a second peak around the age of menopause.

How did I get HPV 16?

The main way HPV is spread is through sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. HPV can be spread even when an infected person has no visible signs or symptoms. The virus can also be spread by genital contact without sex, although this is not common.

Is HPV 12 high risk?

HPV type is a well established risk factor determinant for progression to cervical cancer. Over 40 HPV types infect the anogenital tract, 15 of which have been classified as high-risk for development of cervical cancer, 3 as probable high-risk, 12 as low-risk and 3 as undetermined-risk (4, 5) (Table 1).


Which is worse Lsil or ascus?

ASCUS (Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance). This means your Pap smear results are borderline, between normal and abnormal. … This means your Pap smear results are borderline but may be more serious. LSIL (Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion).

What causes Ascus besides HPV?

The most common causes of ASCUS Pap smear results are noncancerous (benign) conditions, such as infections or inflammation. These conditions can cause cervical cells to appear abnormal. Eventually, however, most cells return to a normal appearance with time.

Why do I keep getting ascus?

ASCUS may be caused by a vaginal infection or an infection with a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus, or wart virus). Your doctor will talk with you about the options of looking at your cervix with a microscope (colposcopy) or repeating your Pap smear every six months for two years.