When a Pap smear reveals ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance), it is important to understand that it does not necessarily mean that the patient has a serious condition. Instead, ASCUS is a marker for an unspecified abnormality that does not appear to be cancerous.
In the case of ASCUS, a patient's doctor will typically recommend a follow-up test, such as a repeat Pap smear or an HPV test, to determine if the abnormality is caused by a low-risk or high-risk strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Depending on the results, the doctor may recommend further testing or treatment.
If the follow-up test results show a low-risk strain of HPV, the patient typically won't need any additional treatments. However, if the HPV test results show a high-risk strain, the patient may be referred to a colposcopy, which is a procedure that uses a microscope to look for abnormal cells in the cervix. If abnormal cells are found, the patient may require additional treatments, such as a biopsy, to remove them.
In some cases, a doctor may also recommend a cervical loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) to remove any abnormal cells from the cervix. This procedure is done with a special device that uses electrical current to remove the tissue.
It is important to note that ASCUS does not necessarily indicate that a patient has cancer. Most of the time, it is a sign of a low-grade abnormality that can be treated with routine follow-up tests. However, it is important to pay attention to any signs or symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition, such as abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or discharge. In these cases, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
