Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS)(Content revised 11/2011) Show
When the cervical screening test shows the presence of ASCUS, it means that the cells are somewhat different from normal cells under microscope but their degree of deterioration is not severe enough for them to be called pre-cancerous cells. Out of every 100 women taking the screening test, about 3 to 5 will have the above manifestation and 50% of whom will have their cells
regressed to normal after 4 to 6 months. The screening test cannot fully reflect the degree of deterioration of the cervical tissues. In fact, among 100 women with abnormal cervical cells, about 5 have severely deteriorated cervical tissue. Therefore, women should have repeat tests every 6 months until two consecutive normal results are achieved. If abnormal cells persist or the condition worsens, referral to specialist clinic for colposcopy will be required. Since the progression from severe deterioration of cervical cells to cancer generally takes about 5 to 10 years, the condition does not pose any immediate threat, please do not worry excessively. The development of cervical cancer is a long process. The cells of the cervix gradually undergo a series of changes from normal cells to abnormal cells, to mild, moderate, then severe deterioration, and finally to cervical cancer. Apart from continual worsening of cell changes, at any time, the cell changes can also spontaneously regress to normal. However. Even if the cell changes already show severe deterioration, it can still take up to 5 to 10 years before cancer finally appears. We understand that woman may wish to have a repeat test as soon as possible. As the external layer of cervical cells has been scraped off during the previous smear and the cells take time to grow again (at least 4 to 6 weeks), early re-examination cannot reflect the condition of the cervical cells accurately. Please attend for a repeat test at the scheduled time. What is colposcopy?Colposcopy refers to the examination of the vagina using a magnifying glass. The examination procedures can be performed at clinics without anaesthesia and will take about 10 minutes. ProceduresThe doctor will insert the colposcope, stain the vagina and cervix with special medicinal solution and then use the magnifying glass to identify any abnormal lesion. If abnormal lesion is found, the doctor will use an equipment to extract a small piece of the tissue and send it to the laboratory for further analysis. The whole process is painless and therefore there is no need to worry about the procedure.
Related TopicsCervical cancer screening is an important part of preventing cancer or detecting it early. Two tests are used for screenings: the Pap test (or smear) and the HPV test. The Pap test checks for cell changes on a woman’s cervix that could turn into cancer if they are not treated. The HPV test looks for human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus can cause cell changes that lead to cervical cancer. Path to improved healthYour Pap test will come back with one of three results: Normal (or negative). This means no cell changes were found. Unclear (or inconclusive). This result is common. It means it looks like your cells could be abnormal. This could be because of an infection, such as a yeast infection or the herpes virus. Hormone changes from pregnancy or menopause can also affect test results. Abnormal (or positive). This means cell changes were found. In most cases, it does not mean you have cervical cancer. There are different abnormal test results. These are the most common.
Most women with abnormal cervical cancer screening results do not have cancer. If your screening found ASC-US, your doctor will probably order an HPV test. He or she may also have you come back in 6 to 12 months for another Pap test. If the HPV test is positive and you are older than 25, your doctor will order a colposcopy. During this test, he or she will use a magnifying lens to look more closely at your cervix. They can also take a sample of tissue (biopsy) to test for cancer. Cells of the cervix go through many changes before they turn into cancer. A Pap test can show if your cells are going through these changes. If caught and treated early, cervical cancer is not life threatening. Talk to your doctor to see how often he or she recommends you receive Pap tests. You may need them or less often, depending on your age and overall health. Cervical cancer screening results can sometimes be wrong. This means you may have to undergo unnecessary follow-up tests. However, screening has saved lives. Discuss your risk for cervical cancer, the pros and cons of screening, at what age to start screening, and how often to be screened. Things to considerAbnormal or precancerous cells are often found before cancer develops. If further testing shows that you have precancerous cells, your doctor will want to remove them. They will help you decide which treatment is best for you. Sometimes, they will recommend watchful waiting. This could include more frequent Pap tests. Other common treatments include:
Your doctor can perform some of these treatments in their office. They usually take only a few minutes. Other treatments require anesthesia, so you go to a hospital for those. If the tests find invasive cancer, treatment will depend on how far the cancer has spread. The most common treatments include:
Treatment of invasive cancer often involves a team of specialists. This could include your family doctor, a gynecologist, and an oncologist (cancer specialist). You will all work together to develop the best treatment plan for you. If you have any questions about your cervical cancer screening results, call your doctor. Questions to ask your doctor
 Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. Should I worry about atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance?Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) — With ASC-US, the risk of a high-grade precancerous lesion (cells with a moderate to high risk of developing into cervical cancer) is as high as 7 percent, and the risk of cervical cancer is less than 1 percent [1,2].
What does atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance mean on a Pap smear?ASCUS ~ Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
This diagnosis means that some of the cells on your Pap smear did not look entirely normal but did not meet diagnostic criteria for a lesion. Your doctor may either repeat your Pap smear, or perform a colposcopy.
Can atypical squamous cells turn into cancer?A finding of abnormal cells in a Pap test. It means there are abnormal squamous cells in the tissue that lines the outer part of the cervix. Atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude a high-grade lesion may be a sign of a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), which may become cervical cancer if untreated.
How long does it take for ASCUS to turn into cancer?Without prompt treatment or close monitoring, about 0.25 percent of women with atypical ASCUS develop cervical cancer within two years.
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What causes atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
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