What Does an ASCUS Pap Smear Result Mean?
Updated December 04, 2014.
An ASCUS pap smear result is considered to be mildly abnormal. This is the most common type of abnormal Pap smear. ASCUS stands for Atypical Cells of Undetermined Significance,and basically means there were mild cellular changes and the the cause in unknown.
The first step in managing an ASCUS Pap smear is to repeat the Pap test. Many times a slight infection or cervical inflammation may causes a Pap to come back as ASCUS.
The Pap may be repeated immediately or within 4-6 months. The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to clear up any possible infection prior to the repeat Pap.
Remember to not have sex, douche, or use tampons 24-48 hours prior to the Pap smear test. These can often give false results.
The bottom line is that there is no immediate cervical cancer risk in an ASCUS Pap smear. It is very important to follow up with a repeat Pap smear or colposcopy if your doctor orders.
An ASCUS pap smear result is considered to be mildly abnormal. This is the most common type of abnormal Pap smear. ASCUS stands for Atypical Cells of Undetermined Significance,and basically means there were mild cellular changes and the the cause in unknown.
The first step in managing an ASCUS Pap smear is to repeat the Pap test. Many times a slight infection or cervical inflammation may causes a Pap to come back as ASCUS.
The Pap may be repeated immediately or within 4-6 months. The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to clear up any possible infection prior to the repeat Pap.
Remember to not have sex, douche, or use tampons 24-48 hours prior to the Pap smear test. These can often give false results.
The bottom line is that there is no immediate cervical cancer risk in an ASCUS Pap smear. It is very important to follow up with a repeat Pap smear or colposcopy if your doctor orders.
Source...