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 are the main causes of 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.
Does ASCUS Pap mean cancer?
Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS).
This diagnosis does not mean that you have cervical cancer, but you have some mildly abnormal cellular changes. To determine if these results are benign reactive changes or early precancerous changes may require additional testing.
Do ASCUS cells go away?
CONCLUSION: How to treat an ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance) Pap test has been a major source of anxiety for patients and physicians. Most mild cervical abnormalities go away without treatment.
Is ASCUS Pap bad?
ASCUS paps are considered slightly abnormal results. According to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, normal, noncancerous cervical cells are present in about 75% of women with ASCUS results. In some cases, receiving an ASCUS pap can result from a poor sample.
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.
Can ASCUS cause pain?
The ASCUS incidence was higher in younger sexually active group up to 40 years after which it declined. The ASCUS rate was higher in all parity groups and was commonly associated with pain in lower abdomen and vaginal discharge.
How long does it take for ASCUS to turn into cancer?
Without prompt treatment or close monitoring, about 0.25 percent of women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) develop cervical cancer within two years.
How is ASCUS treated?
ASCUS treatment includes repeated cytology, HPV typization and colposcopy. Protocol of monitoring depended on the result of repeated PAP test. PAP test was normal in 1530 patients and they were advised to make control test once a year.
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Can atypical squamous cells go away?
These abnormalities (also called lesions) are low-grade, meaning that they are not severe, but should still be taken seriously. Most of the lesions will go away on their own, especially in younger people, but about 10 percent of the time the lesions will progress to cancer if left untreated.
What do you do after Ascus Pap?
Your next step is usually a minor procedure called a colposcopy. This procedure is a visual examination of the cervix using a low-powered microscope used to find and then biopsy abnormal areas in your cervix that may lead to cervical cancer.
What is high grade Dyskaryosis?
A small number of women have moderate or severe changes to the cells on their cervix. This is called high-grade dyskaryosis. These changes are also pre-cancerous in nature. The majority of cases do not lead to cancer of the cervix in the future. These changes are less likely to return to normal on their own.
Can stress cause abnormal Pap smear?
But she noted that many researchers speculate that stress may somehow be involved in cervical cancer because stressful times in women’s lives can often be associated with abnormal Pap smear results.
Should I be worried if I have ASCUS?
Since the progression from severe deterioration of cervical cells to cancer generally takes about 5 to 10 years, the condition does not pose any immediate threat, please do not worry excessively.
How long does it take for ASCUS HPV to go away?
HPV spreads through sexual contact and is very common in young people — frequently, the test results will be positive. However, HPV infections often clear on their own within a year or two. Cervical changes that lead to cancer usually take several years — often 10 years or more — to develop.
Does ASCUS mean CIN1?
CIN1, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1, HPV, human papillomavirus, ASCUS, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, LSIL, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions.