This page is to help explain a common but difficult to understand result from some pap smears. We are utilizing the latest technology to screen your cervix for abnormal cells using a liquid based collection method as well as a computer assistance system that has greatly improved the accuracy of screening. One of the possible results of this screening is the reading of ASCUS. This is short for Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance.

Pap results of ASCUS do NOT have clear characteristics that would categorize the results as true “dysplastic” cells. If these dysplastic cells are evident on a pap smear, additional testing is generally required. Having these dysplastic cells would constitute a diagnosis of dysplasia: a condition that could progress to cervical cancer if not treated.

Management of patients with the ASCUS diagnosis has changed based on further advances in research in this area and new technologies that have been developed. Utilizing these advances, we now automatically test all pap smears that show this ASCUS diagnosis for a "high risk" select group of the many strains of HPV (human papilloma virus) that are associated with cervical dysplasia.

If your HPV “reflex” test was negative, studies have shown that you need only to repeat you pap in one year.

If you have questions or would like to discuss this further, send us a message or we would be happy to schedule you a time to come in for a visit.