Follow Up After ASCUS and HPV Negative
If you have been tested for ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) and HPV (human papillomavirus) and the results are negative, you should follow up with your physician. A negative result means that the cells present on the Pap smear do not show any changes indicating the presence of cancer or pre-cancerous cells.
However, it is important to be aware that a negative test result is not a guarantee that cancer will not develop in the future. The best way to monitor your health is to have regular Pap smears. Depending on your age and risk factors, it is recommended that you have a Pap smear every one to three years.
ASCUS refers to the appearance of cells that are not considered normal on a Pap smear. It is not necessarily indicative of cancer, but it can be a sign of precancerous cells.
HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer if left untreated. Most people who are infected with HPV do not show any signs or symptoms. However, if the infection persists, it can lead to the development of precancerous cells or cervical cancer.
If your ASCUS and HPV tests are negative, it is likely that the cells present on the Pap smear are normal. However, it is important to continue to have regular Pap smears to ensure that any changes in the cells are detected and treated as soon as possible.