HPV positive with ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance) is a term used to describe a Pap test result. It means that the Pap test has detected the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the cervical cells. However, it does not indicate whether the virus is causing any harm or not.
The presence of HPV is common in the general population and does not necessarily mean that a person has a cervical abnormality. In most cases, HPV is harmless and will not lead to any health issues. However, some strains of HPV can cause precancerous changes in the cervix, which can eventually lead to cervical cancer.
When a Pap test detects HPV with ASCUS, it does not necessarily mean that the person has a precancerous abnormality. Depending on the risk factors, the doctor may recommend further testing to determine if there is any cause for concern. This could include a colposcopy, HPV test, or biopsy.
If the HPV test is positive and the doctor is concerned that a precancerous abnormality is present, the patient may be advised to have the abnormal cells removed. This is known as a cone biopsy.
In conclusion, HPV positive with ASCUS means that the HPV virus has been detected in the cervical cells. While this does not necessarily mean that there is a precancerous abnormality present, it is important to follow up with further testing to ensure that the HPV is not causing any harm.