Pap Test Results and Terms

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If you have an abnormal Pap test result, some of the terms used can be confusing and may be a cause for concern if the meaning is not clear. So Women First wants you to know how we define Pap test results to help you understand the terminology being used and what follow-up may be needed.

The cytologist report at Women First uses the “Bethesda System” to describe Pap test results. This system uses the term squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) to describe pre-cancer changes. “Squamous” refers to the type of cells that make up the tissue that covers the cervix. With this system, your results will be placed in one of several groups:

  • Normal (negative)—there are no signs of cancer of pre-cancer.
  • Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS)—changes in the cervical cells have been found. HPV typing may be indicated depending upon age and, if positive, would then result in a recommendation for a colposcopy.
  • Low Grade changes (LGSIL) or Mild Dysplasia almost always indicates that an HPV infection is present, but it also may indicate mild pre-cancer changes. This would then require a colposcopy with or without a biopsy, depending upon findings on exam. LGSIL is very common and usually goes away on its own without treatment.
  • High Grade changes (HGSIL) or Severe Dysplasia indicates more serious changes. This would require a colposcopy exam with biopsy.
  • Atypical Squamous Cells cannot exclude High Grade (ASC-H)—changes in the cervical cells have been found. These changes are not clearly HGSIL but could be. This would require a colposcopy exam with biopsy.

During a colposcopy, your doctor uses a special instrument called a colposcope, which is a special magnifying device used to view the cervix, vulva, and vagina. This exam allows your doctor to view cells that cannot be seen by the eye alone. If your doctor finds an unusual area of cells during your colposcopy procedure, a sample of tissue will be collected for laboratory testing (biopsy).

HPV (genital Human Papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. HPV is usually harmless, and most of the time it will go away by itself, but some types can lead to pre-cancer, cancer, or genital warts. Genital HPV infections are very common. In fact, most people who have sex get exposed to HPV at some point in their lives. Most people with HPV have no symptoms and feel totally fine, so they may not know they are infected. For problematic HPV, there are many treatment options, and your Women First provider will work with you to recommend the ones that are best for you.

Is it Time to Schedule Your Annual Wellness Exam?

Your annual women’s health appointment is a vital part of your health care, and the perfect time to talk to your Care Team about your personal health questions.

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What People Are Saying

Alina Zabelle
Alina Zabelle
2023-06-14
Got me that day very professional clean environment
Lisa Webb
Lisa Webb
2023-04-28
Dr. Miller is my doctor and I can't say enough good about her and any of the staff I have interacted with. I highly recommend them.
Tiffany Enriquez
Tiffany Enriquez
2023-04-25
I love Dr. Brown. Hands down, she is an Angel on Earth. I literally would not be here today without her. She always tells me exactly what I need to hear, she stands up for her patients, and has believed in me when I don’t believe in myself. Woman’s health isn’t just gynecological. It’s mental. It’s having someone there to hold your hand when you’re alone. And Dr. Brown continues to hold my hand and I can’t thank her enough. I will forever be indebted to her and will love her forever. I will miss her incredibly and deeply when she retires. Thank you Dr. Brown, for everything. -Tiffany Enriquez
Willa S. Tierney
Willa S. Tierney
2023-03-29
Only positive things to say about Women’s First! I always receive excellent communication from support staff and I’m very grateful for the doctor-patient relationship I have with Dr. Rebecca Booth. I frequently speak highly of and recommend this practice to friends, family, and colleagues!
Yoselin Ramirez
Yoselin Ramirez
2023-03-18
La doctora margarita terraza aun trabaja ahí?