My doctor told me that my Pap smear showed "atypical cells" and high-risk HPV has been detected
What does it mean when my Pap smear shows "atypical cells"?
This is a borderline result.When the cells appears slightly funny-looking during evaluation with a microscope they are reported as “atypical”.The Pap smear will officially report the term Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance which is referred to as (ASCUS): Squamous cells are simply those that line the outer part of the cervix.The term undetermined significance means the examiner is not sure why the cells look abnormal.It may be due to a minor vaginal infection or inflammation but it may be due to dysplasia.
If my Pap smear shows "atypical cells" then what does it mean if my high-risk HPV test is positive?
When the Pap smear is borderline then the addition of the HPV test will provide more information. When high-risk HPV is detected from the Pap smear collection then there is greater concern that the reason the "funny" appearance of the cells is due to dysplasia. HPV is the cause of dysplasia. The next step is to have a colposcopy performed. The colposcopy is done to see if dysplasia is present. Remember the Pap smear is a simply screening test and not a "diagnostic" test. You can read about colposcopy in the next section.
When should I have my next Pap smear?
This will depend on the results of your colposcopy and whether a treatment is performed. Your doctor will discuss with you when your next Pap smear should be.
Julianne M. Dunne, MD, PC 1230 Mamaroneck Avenue Suite 100 White Plains, NY 10605 tel. (914) 948-1020 fax. (914) 948-1002 email: gyndocs1230@yahoo.com
