Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Test Results

Frequently Asked Questions Expand All

• What is cervical cancer screening?

  Cervical cancer screening is used to find abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer. Screening may include the Pap test, testing for a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV), or both. (See Cervical Cancer Screening to learn more.)

• What causes abnormal cervical cancer screening test results?

  The main cause of cervical cancer is infection with HPV. There are many types of HPV. Some types have been linked to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, and penis. Some also can cause cancer of the head and neck. These types of HPV are known as “high-risk” types.

  Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by just two high-risk types of HPV—type 16 and type 18. Cells that are infected with HPV appear different from normal cells under a microscope. Abnormal changes can be mild, or they can be more serious. The more serious changes can lead to cancer if not treated.

  [See Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination to learn about protecting yourself from HPV.]

• How are HPV test results described?

  HPV test results show whether you have a high-risk type of HPV infection. Results are negative or positive:

  • A negative HPV test means that you do not have an HPV type that is linked to cancer.

  • A positive HPV test means that you have an HPV infection. This does not mean that you have cancer now, but it may be a sign that cancer could develop later. You may need follow-up testing (see below).

• How are abnormal Pap test results described?

  • ASC-US—This means that changes in the cervical cells have been found. The changes are almost always a sign of an HPV infection. ASC-US is the most common abnormal Pap test result. ASC-US stands for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. “Squamous” refers to the type of cells that make up the tissue that covers the cervix.

  • LSIL—This means that the cervical cells show changes that are mildly abnormal. LSIL usually is caused by an HPV infection that often goes away on its own. LSIL stands for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.

  • HSIL—This suggests more serious changes in the cervix than LSIL. It is more likely than LSIL to be linked to precancer and cancer. HSIL stands for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.

  • ASC-H—ASC-H means that changes in the cervical cells have been found that raise concern for the presence of HSIL. ASC-H stands for atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude HSIL.

  • AGC—This means that changes have been found in glandular cells that raise concern for the presence of precancer or cancer. Glandular cells are another type of cell that make up the tissue that covers the inner canal of the cervix. Glandular cells also are present inside the uterus. AGC stands for atypical glandular cells.

• What follow-up testing may be needed?

  If you have a positive HPV test or an abnormal Pap test result, you may need further testing. The following tests may be done depending on your risk for cervical cancer. Testing is based on your age, initial screening test result, and any previous test results. Types of follow-up testing include the following:

  • Reflex testing—If you had an HPV test, a Pap test may be done on the same cells used for the HPV test. If you had a Pap test, an HPV test may be done on the same cells used for the Pap test. This is called reflex testing.

  • HPV typing—There is another kind of HPV test that looks specifically for HPV type 16 and HPV type 18. These two types cause the most cases of cervical cancer. This kind of HPV test is called HPV typing.

  • Repeat testing—For patients under 25, a repeat Pap test may be done in 6 months or 1 year. For patients 25 or older, repeat HPV testing or co-testing (having the HPV test and Pap test done at the same time) is recommended as a follow-up to some abnormal test results. Repeat HPV testing or co-testing may be done in 1 year or 3 years depending on your initial test result, your age, and the results of previous tests.

  • Colposcopy, biopsy, and endocervical sampling—Colposcopy is an exam of the cervix with a magnifying device. If an area of abnormal cells is seen, you may need a cervical biopsy. For a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed and sent to a lab for testing. The lab testing can determine how severe the cell changes are. Endocervical sampling also may be done. This sampling uses a small brush or other instrument to take a tissue sample from the cervical canal.

  • Endometrial sampling—A sample of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) is collected for study. Some women with an AGC result need to have this follow-up test.

  If your initial test results show you have a very high risk of developing cervical cancer, you may consider treatment without additional testing. If your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) recommends this option, you should talk together about the risks and benefits.

• What does CIN mean on a biopsy report?

  Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is used to report cervical biopsy results. CIN describes the actual changes in cervical cells. CIN is graded as 1, 2, or 3:

  • CIN 1 is used for mild (low-grade) changes in the cells that usually go away on their own without treatment.

  • CIN 2 is used for moderate changes.

  • CIN 3 is used for more severe (high-grade) changes.

  Moderate and high-grade changes can progress to cancer.

• How are abnormal cervical cells treated?

  In general, there are two ways to treat abnormal cervical cells:

  1. Excisional treatment—Tissue is removed from the cervix and sent to a laboratory to be studied. Results can tell whether CIN actually is present and, if so, how severe it is.

  2. Ablative treatment—Abnormal cervical tissue is destroyed, and there is no tissue to send to a laboratory for study.

• What are the types of excisional treatments?

  Excisional treatments include the following:

  • Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)—A thin wire loop that carries an electric current is used to remove abnormal areas of the cervix.

  • Conization—A cone-shaped piece of the cervix that contains the abnormal cells is removed.

• What are the types of ablative treatments?

  Ablative treatments include the following:

  • Cryotherapy—An instrument is used to freeze abnormal cervical tissue, which then sloughs off.

  • Laser therapy—A focused beam of light is used to destroy abnormal cervical tissue.

• Will I need more cervical cancer screening after treatment?

  Yes, you should continue with routine cervical cancer screening. More frequent screening may be needed, depending on what type of abnormal cell changes you had. Talk with your ob-gyn about the screening you need.

• Glossary

  Anus: The opening of the digestive tract through which bowel movements leave the body.

  Biopsy: A minor surgical procedure to remove a small piece of tissue. This tissue is examined under a microscope in a laboratory.

  Cells: The smallest unit of a structure in the body. Cells are the building blocks for all parts of the body.

  Cervical Biopsy: A minor surgical procedure to remove a small piece of cervical tissue. This tissue is examined under a microscope in a laboratory.

  Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN): Abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix that are caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). CIN is graded as 1 (low grade), 2 (moderate), or 3 (high grade).

  Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus at the top of the vagina.

  Colposcopy: Viewing of the cervix, vulva, or vagina under magnification with an instrument called a colposcope.

  Conization: A procedure that removes a cone-shaped wedge of tissue from the cervix.

  Cryotherapy: A freezing technique used to destroy diseased tissue.

  Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The name for a group of related viruses, some of which cause genital warts and some of which are linked to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth, and throat.

  Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): A procedure that removes abnormal tissue from the cervix using a thin wire loop and electric energy.

  Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A doctor with special training and education in women’s health.

  Pap Test: A test in which cells are taken from the cervix (or vagina) to look for signs of cancer.

  Penis: The male sex organ.

  Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (SIL): A term used to describe abnormal cervical cells detected by the Pap test.

  Uterus: A muscular organ in the female pelvis. During pregnancy, this organ holds and nourishes the fetus. Also called the womb.

  Vagina: A tube-like structure surrounded by muscles. The vagina leads from the uterus to the outside of the body.

  Vulva: The external female genital area.