Phrases in your pap smear results that mean everything’s fine: Endocervical cells present. … This means that the sampling of cells during your pap didn’t include those inside-the-canal cells. If you’ve never had an abnormal pap in the past, it’s fine for an occasional pap to not sample these cells.
What if endocervical cells are not present?
The presence of endocervical cells on a Pap smear is an indication that the smear included sampling of the cervical canal and, by inference, the squamo-columnar junction. If endocervical cells are not seen, it may mean: You did not sample high enough in the cervical canal.
Where are endocervical cells located?
The inner part of the cervix that forms a canal that connects the vagina to the uterus. The endocervix is lined with cells that make mucus. During a pelvic exam, cells may be scraped from the endocervix. The cells are checked under a microscope for infection, inflammation, and cancer or changes that may become cancer.
Does atypical endocervical cells mean cancer?
Do atypical glandular cells mean cancer? Not necessarily. There are many reasons why glandular cells can become atypical including cancer, infection, inflammation, pregnancy, or previous radiation to the cervix or endometrium.
What does no endocervical component is identified mean?
Abstract. The presence of endocervical component (ECs) on cervical smears is considered essential for determining the adequacy of the Pap smear. The absence of an endocervical component in a negative smear suggests that a repeat Pap smear should be taken.
What does benign endocervical cells mean?
Endocervical polyps (ECPs) are routine and common specimens in gynecologic pathology. Microscopically, these benign proliferations show a fibrovascular stalk and endocervical glands, and are on occasion accompanied by squamous metaplasia, chronic inflammation, or ulceration if irritated.
What is the difference between cervical and endocervical?
The cervix is made of two parts and is covered with two different types of cells. The endocervix is the opening of the cervix that leads into the uterus. It is covered with glandular cells. The exocervix (or ectocervix) is the outer part of the cervix that can be seen by the doctor during a speculum exam.
What causes abnormal cervical cells besides HPV?
HPV and other STDs
Other sexually transmitted diseases, infections, and conditions also cause irregular Pap test results, including: Genital warts (herpes) Trichomoniasis (another common STI) Other infections.
Should I worry about atypical squamous cells?
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 are endocervical cells?
Endocervical cells present. This phrase means that cells from the inside of your cervical canal were sampled at the time of the pap test, which is something your doctor tries to do. … Endometrial cells present. Your pap also picked up some cells from the inside of your uterus.
Is epithelial cell abnormality serious?
These cell changes are usually more serious than ASC (atypical squamous cells). This means there is a greater risk that precancer or cancer is present. This result is sometimes called mild dysplasia.
How common is epithelial cell abnormality?
Results: Among the total of 1699 patients who had their Pap smear done, 139 (8.18%) revealed epithelial cell abnormality.