Papanicolaou test

A normal value is negative, meaning there are no abnormal cells present.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

The current system divides the abnormal results into these main areas:

• ASCUS or AGUS (atypical cells of uncertain significance): These changes may be due to infection with HPV but may also mean there are precancerous changes present.
• LSIL (low-grade dysplasia) or HSIL (high-grade dysplasia): This means precancer changes are likely to be present; the risk of cancer is greater if the result is HSIL.
• Carcinoma in situ (CIS): This usually means the abnormal changes are likely to progress to cancer.
• Atypical squamous cells (ASC–H): This means abnormal changes have been found and may be HSIL.
• Atypical glandular cells (AGC): Cell changes are seen that suggest precancer of the upper part of the cervical canal or inside the uterus.

When a Pap smear shows abnormalities, further testing or follow-up is needed. The next step depends on the results of the Pap smear, your previous history of Pap smears, and risk factors you may have for cervical cancer.

This may include:

• Colposcopy-directed biopsy
• An HPV test to check for the presence of the HPV virus types most likely to cause cancer

For minor cell changes, doctors usually recommend having a repeat Pap smear in 3-6 months.

Images

Pap smear

Uterus

Pap smear

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Pap smear Risks

Review Date: 03/30/2010
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)