Can ASCUS cells be cancer?
The short answer to this question is yes, ASCUS cells can be cancer. ASCUS stands for Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance. It is a type of abnormal cell that can be found in a Pap smear, a test used to detect cervical cancer. In most cases, ASCUS cells are not cancerous, but they can be an indication of a precancerous or cancerous lesion.
ASCUS cells are commonly found in women who have HPV (human papillomavirus), a sexually transmitted infection that increases the risk of cervical cancer. In these cases, the ASCUS cells are a sign of a pre-cancerous lesion. If left untreated, the abnormal cells could progress to a cancerous state.
In some cases, however, ASCUS cells can be cancerous. If a woman has a Pap smear and the results come back with ASCUS cells, the clinician may order additional tests, such as a colposcopy or biopsy, to determine the cause of the ASCUS cells. If the results of the additional testing indicate that the ASCUS cells are cancerous, the woman will need to undergo treatment to remove the cancerous cells.
In conclusion, ASCUS cells can be cancerous, but it is not always the case. If ASCUS cells are found during a Pap smear, the clinician may order additional tests to determine the cause and if the cells are cancerous, a treatment plan will be needed to remove them.