The criteria for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) is a set of criteria used to describe the appearance of cells taken from a Pap smear. ASCUS can be found on a Pap smear when the cells are abnormal, but the exact cause of the abnormality is not known.
To diagnose a patient with ASCUS, the following criteria must be met:
1. The cells must be atypical, meaning they have an irregular shape or size.
2. The cells should not have features of dysplasia, which is a precancerous condition.
3. The cells should not show any evidence of an infection, such as human papillomavirus (HPV).
4. The cells should not have any features of cancer.
5. The cells should not be from the endocervical canal.
If a patient has ASCUS, their doctor may recommend additional testing to determine the cause of the abnormal cells. This could include a colposcopy, which is an examination of the cervix and vagina with a microscope, or a biopsy, which is a procedure to remove a small sample of tissue for further examination. In some cases, further testing and treatment may be necessary.