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What
are abnormal cervical cells? Abnormal
cervical cells are cells in the lining of the cervix
that have changed in appearance. This is also called
cervical dysplasia. The more severe the cervical
abnormality, the more likely it is that cervical cancer
could develop in the future. Most often the development
of cervical cancer from abnormal cervical cell changes
can take a number of years. However, in rare cases,
it has developed within a year. |
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| What
causes abnormal cervical cells?
Abnormal
cervical cells may have a number of different causes
(such as an infection or inflammation) but are commonly
caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
There are about 30 types of HPV that affect the genital
area, and these are known as genital HPV. Some types
can cause abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix
to turn into cancer. Other types can cause genital warts
and other benign (abnormal but noncancerous) changes
in the cervix. |
Other
consequences
of HPV include
Abnormal
Cervical
Cells |
All types of genital HPV can lead to abnormal Pap tests—that's
why gynecological exams are so important. So, be sure
to get a Pap test as often as your healthcare professional
recommends.
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How
are abnormal cervical cells detected?
The
primary way to detect abnormal cervical cells is through a Pap
test. A Pap test (also known as a Papanicolaou smear) is part
of a gynecological exam. It helps detect abnormal cervical cells
before they have a chance to become precancer or cervical cancer.
The results of a Pap test can help healthcare professionals
decide if further testing or treatments are necessary. |
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How
are Pap test results reported? While
most healthcare professionals may simply say that the results
of the Pap test are normal or abnormal, some may use acronyms
such as ASCUS, LSIL, or HSIL.
ASCUS
stands for atypical squamous cells of undetermined
significance. A diagnosis of ASCUS means that the
abnormalities seen in cervical cells are mild and their nature
is uncertain.
LSIL
stands for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
and means that there are more definite but still mildly abnormal
cervical cells.
HSIL,
or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion,
means there are severely abnormal cervical cells that have
a high likelihood of progressing to cervical cancer. |
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Are
there additional tests for women diagnosed with abnormal cervical
cells? If
the results of a Pap test indicate that you have abnormal
cervical cells, it's important to follow your healthcare professional's
recommendations for more testing, such as repeat Pap testing,
HPV DNA testing, a colposcopy, and possible biopsy.
An
abnormal biopsy result may be reported as CIN
or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Neoplasia
means an abnormal growth of cells. Intraepithelial refers
to the layer of cells that forms the surface of the cervix.
The term CIN, along with a number (1 to 3), describes how
much of the thickness of the lining of the cervix contains
abnormal cells. A diagnosis of CIN 3 means there are severely
abnormal cervical cells throughout the entire thickness of
the lining of the cervix.
Most
abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix will eventually
go away because an immune response from the body occurs on
its own. If the abnormalities are mild, the healthcare professional
may choose to closely monitor them. However, if the abnormalities
are more severe, removing these cells can almost always prevent
cervical cancer from developing in the future. |
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Can
abnormal cervical cells be treated? Methods
commonly used to treat abnormal cervical cells include cryosurgery
(freezing that destroys abnormal cervical cells), LEEP (loop
electrosurgical excision procedure, the removal of abnormal
cervical cells using a hot wire loop), and conventional surgery.
The
healthcare professional may request an additional follow-up
examination to make sure that the abnormal cells do not come
back. If the abnormal cells reappear, the treatment can be
repeated. |
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Abnormal
cervical cells can be the first consequence of HPV. So an abnormal
Pap test is an important warning sign that shouldn't be ignored.
Find out more about human papillomavirus
(HPV) and its connection to cervical
cancer, genital warts,
and other consequences
in the other sections of this site. Talk to your healthcare
professional to learn more about these topics. |
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This
site is intended for residents of The Philippines. |
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