What are the results of Pap tests and what do they indicate?

Healthy Pap Results:

A normal Pap smear shows healthy squamous cells from the surface of the cervix. There are NO signs of infection and NO abnormal cells.

If my Pap results are healthy, do I need to keep getting a Pap every year?

Yes! Annual Pap tests screen for infectious agents that may be harmful if allowed to persist. Early detection of any infection will allow for better treatment and will help you maintain your health.

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Unhealthy Pap Results:

ASCUS ~ Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance:

This diagnosis means that some of the cells on your Pap smear did not look entirely normal, but did not meet diagnostic criteria for a lesion. Your doctor may either repeat your Pap smear, or perform colposcopy. The lab may do a test for HPV.

What will happen to me if I have ASCUS?

The lab will most likely do a test for HPV on your Pap smear specimen. If it is your first abnormal Pap smear, your doctor will most likely recommend a colpsocopy.

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LSIL ~ Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion:

These lesions, in women with intact immune systems, often resolve without intervention within 18 to 24 months. Low grade lesions may also be called mild dysplasia, or CIN1.

What will happen to me if I have LSIL?

If it is your first abnormal Pap smear, your doctor will likely recommend a colposcopy.

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HSIL ~ High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion:

These precancerous lesions are more sever than with LSIL, but involve cells on the surface of your cervix. They may also be called moderate or severe dysplasia, or CIN 2 or 3.

What will happen to me if I have HSIL?

The treatment for HSIL is to remove the abnormal tissue. This can be done in several ways, most commonly by a cone procedure. There are different kinds of obtaining a cone. The "cone" refers to the shape of the piece or tissue removed.

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