Endocervical cell present. Endocervical and Squamous Metaplastic Cells on Pap Smear: Understanding Your Results
What do endocervical cells present mean on a Pap smear. How are squamous metaplastic cells interpreted in test results. When do Pap smear findings indicate further testing is needed. What are the common phrases used in Pap test reports and their meanings.
Decoding Pap Smear Results: Endocervical and Squamous Metaplastic Cells
Pap smear results often contain medical terminology that can be confusing for patients. Two common phrases you might encounter are “endocervical cells present” and “squamous metaplastic cells present.” Understanding these terms can help alleviate concerns and provide insight into your cervical health.
What are Endocervical Cells?
Endocervical cells are mucus-producing glandular cells located within the inner cervix (endocervix). When your Pap smear results indicate “endocervical cells present,” it simply means that the sample collected during your test included cells from this inner region of the cervix. This is a normal finding and does not indicate any abnormality or cause for concern.
Significance of Squamous Metaplastic Cells
Squamous cells are flat, thin cells that line various tissues in the body, including the outer surface of the cervix (ectocervix). When these cells undergo changes, they may be described as metaplastic. The presence of squamous metaplastic cells in your Pap test results indicates that the pathologist observed cells that were growing and repairing themselves in a typical manner. This finding is generally not a cause for alarm.
Understanding the Importance of Cell Types in Pap Smear Results
Different cell types observed in a Pap smear can provide valuable information about cervical health. While the presence of endocervical and squamous metaplastic cells is usually normal, other cellular changes may require further investigation.
Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASC-US)
When a pathologist identifies atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), it means they have found irregular cells but cannot determine the exact cause. This finding could be due to an HPV infection or other inflammatory changes that may resolve on their own. In such cases, your doctor may recommend additional testing to rule out any serious conditions.
Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (SIL)
Squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) are cellular changes that may indicate a higher risk of developing into cancer. These are typically classified as low-grade (LSIL) or high-grade (HSIL). High-grade lesions often require further examination through procedures like colposcopy to assess the extent of cellular changes and determine appropriate treatment.
Endocervical Cells: Normal Findings vs. Potential Concerns
The presence of endocervical cells in a Pap smear is generally considered normal. However, in rare cases, abnormal findings related to these cells may be reported.
Normal Endocervical Cell Findings
When your Pap smear report indicates “endocervical cells present,” it simply means that the sample included cells from the inner cervix. This is a standard finding and does not suggest any abnormality or increased risk of cancer.
Abnormal Endocervical Cell Findings
In some instances, the Pap smear may reveal abnormal endocervical cells. If cancer cells are detected in the endocervix, the report may indicate some form of carcinoma, such as adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. These findings would typically prompt your doctor to recommend further testing, such as a colposcopy, to examine the cervix in more detail and obtain tissue samples for analysis.
Decoding Common Phrases in Pap Smear Results
Pap smear reports often contain medical terminology that can be difficult to interpret. Understanding these phrases can help you better comprehend your results and have more informed discussions with your healthcare provider.
Standard Result Phrases
- Endocervical cells present: Indicates that cells from the inner cervix were sampled and found to be normal.
- Squamous metaplastic cells present: Signifies changes within cervical squamous cells without concerning irregularities.
- Negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy (NILM): Indicates no signs of malignancy or lesions were noted.
- Transformation zone component present: Suggests that cells were collected from the cervical canal.
Phrases Indicating Need for Further Testing
- Atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance (ASC-US): Indicates irregular cells of unknown cause, possibly due to HPV infection or other inflammatory changes.
- Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL): Suggests mild cellular changes that may require monitoring or further evaluation.
- High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL): Indicates more severe cellular changes that often necessitate additional testing and possible treatment.
The Role of Colposcopy in Further Evaluation
When Pap smear results indicate abnormal findings, such as high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) or atypical glandular cells, your healthcare provider may recommend a colposcopy for further evaluation.
What is a Colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows a doctor to examine the cervix under magnification using a special microscope called a colposcope. This instrument provides a detailed view of the cervical tissues, enabling the doctor to identify any abnormal areas that may require biopsy.
The Colposcopy Procedure
During a colposcopy, the doctor applies a solution to the cervix that highlights any abnormal cells. They then use the colposcope to carefully examine the cervix and vaginal walls. If suspicious areas are identified, small tissue samples (biopsies) may be taken for further analysis by a pathologist.
Importance of Regular Pap Smears and Follow-up Care
Regular Pap smears play a crucial role in early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Understanding your results and following up with recommended care are essential steps in maintaining cervical health.
Frequency of Pap Smears
The frequency of Pap smears may vary depending on age and individual risk factors. Generally, it is recommended that women begin cervical cancer screening at age 21 and continue regular screenings as advised by their healthcare provider.
Follow-up Care for Abnormal Results
If your Pap smear results are abnormal, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s recommendations for further testing or monitoring. This may include repeat Pap smears, HPV testing, colposcopy, or other diagnostic procedures to ensure proper evaluation and treatment if necessary.
Understanding HPV and Its Relation to Cervical Cell Changes
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) plays a significant role in cervical cell changes and the development of cervical cancer. Understanding this connection can help in interpreting Pap smear results and assessing risk factors.
HPV and Cervical Cancer Risk
HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause changes in cervical cells. While most HPV infections clear on their own, persistent infections with high-risk HPV types can lead to cellular changes that may progress to cervical cancer if left untreated.
HPV Testing in Cervical Cancer Screening
Many healthcare providers now offer HPV testing alongside or as a complement to Pap smears. This co-testing approach can provide more comprehensive information about a woman’s cervical health and help guide further management decisions.
Understanding the terminology used in Pap smear results can help alleviate anxiety and empower patients to take an active role in their cervical health. While phrases like “endocervical cells present” and “squamous metaplastic cells present” are usually indicative of normal findings, it’s essential to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider. Regular screening, coupled with appropriate follow-up care, remains the most effective strategy for preventing cervical cancer and maintaining overall reproductive health.
As medical knowledge continues to advance, cervical cancer screening protocols may evolve. Staying informed about current guidelines and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider ensures that you receive the most appropriate and up-to-date care for your individual needs. Remember, early detection through regular screening is key to preventing cervical cancer and preserving long-term health.
Endocervical and Squamous Metaplastic Cells on a Pap Smear
Seeing squamous metaplastic or endocervical cells on your Pap smear test results may raise some questions and concerns. However, the presence of these cells isn’t usually a cause for concern.
The phrase “endocervical cells present” simply means that your doctor sampled cells from the inside of your cervix during the Pap smear. The phrase “squamous metaplastic cells present” means that the pathologist who examined your Pap smear found cells that were growing and repairing themselves regularly.
In this article, we take a look at squamous and endocervical cells and what they mean on a Pap smear test result. We also decode the meaning of other terms that may show up on a Pap test. Read on.
Squamous cells are types of cells found in various tissues throughout your body, including:
- your skin
- the outer surface of the cervix (ectocervix)
- the linings of your organs
When changes occur within these thin, flat-shaped cells, they may be described as metaplastic.
Most cancers of the cervix and vagina are squamous cell carcinomas. However, the presence of squamous metaplastic cells in your Pap test results doesn’t automatically mean cancer. It just means that these cells were sampled during the Pap smear and that the pathologist who examined them found them to be growing in a standard manner.
Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US)
If the pathologist finds atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), this usually means that the pathologist has found irregular cells and could not determine why they were irregular.
This could mean that you have an HPV infection, in which case your doctor will need to conduct further testing for HPV to confirm. The irregular cells could also be due to other inflammatory or noncancerous changes of the cervix that will likely resolve on their own.
Squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL)
Squamous cells that may be precancerous or more likely to turn into cancer are described on a Pap test result as squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL). These may be further classified as low-grade (LSIL) or high-grade (HSIL), indicating a low to high risk of cancer development.
In the case of HSIL, your doctor may recommend further examination of these cells using a colposcopy.
A colposcopy allows a doctor to examine your cervix under magnification using a colposcope, which is a microscope with a bright light. They can also take tissue samples of irregular cells that can be sent to a lab for further examination by a pathologist.
Endocervical cells are mucus-producing glandular cells located within the inner cervix (endocervix). During a Pap smear, your doctor or nurse may take a sample of these cells, but not always.
If your Pap smear results doshow that endocervical cells are present, it means that your test included cells from your endocervix as part of the sample examined under a microscope. It’s standard to have endocervical cells, and their presence does not indicate cancer or precancer.
However, if cancer cells are detected in the endocervix, your Pap smear may indicate some form of carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common cell types for cancers of the cervix.
Your doctor will most likely recommend a colposcopy to examine these areas in more detail and gather tissue samples.
While your Pap smear results may indicate a standard result, it can be concerning to see codes and phrases and not know their meaning. If your doctor recommends further testing, it’s helpful to understand what your Pap test results show so that you can have an informed discussion with your doctor.
Below is a breakdown to help you decode common phrases you may see on both a standard and irregular Pap test result:
Phrases associated with standard results
Phrase | What it means |
endocervical cells present | a healthcare professional sampled some of the mucus-producing glandular cells located within your inner cervix and found no irregularities |
endocervical cells absent | no endocervical cells were collected during your Pap smear |
endometrial cells present | cells from your endometrium were collected during your Pap smear |
squamous metaplastic cells present | changes within cervical squamous cells were seen but without any concerning irregularities |
negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy (NILM) | no signs of malignancy or lesions were noted |
acute inflammation | this may indicate the presence of white blood cells in your sample |
transformation zone component absent/present | this indicates whether cells were collected within the cervical canal |
atrophic changes | your cervix may be exhibiting signs of menopause |
Phrases that may mean you need further testing
Phrase | What it means |
atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance (ASC-US) | changes within squamous cells on the outside of your cervix that may indicate an HPV infection or be due to other inflammatory or noncancerous changes of the cervix that will likely resolve on their own |
low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) | indicates lower-risk cervical cell changes |
high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) | cervical cell changes are present and may be at a higher risk of turning into cancer |
atypical squamous cells (ASC-H) | changes were found within the squamous cells of your cervix, and you may also have HSIL |
atypical glandular cells (AGC) | changes within the glandular cells of the endocervix exhibit possible signs of precancer or cancer |
endocervical adenocarcinoma | indicates cancerous cells of the endocervix |
endometrial/extrauterine adenocarcinoma | presence of cancerous cells in the endometrium, ovaries, or fallopian tubes |
adenocarcinoma, unspecified | cancer cells of an unknown site of origin |
If your Pap smear results are standard, you do not need to take any further action. Unless told otherwise by your doctor, you may stick to your regular Pap testing schedule.
On the other hand, if any irregularities are found, your doctor will likely order further testing. According to the American Cancer Society, next steps could include:
- a physical exam
- blood testing
- a follow-up Pap test in 1 year
- HPV testing
- colposcopy to examine the cervix, especially if your HPV test is positive
- cervical biopsies, which consist of tissue samples taken directly from the cervix for further lab testing
How often should you have a Pap smear?
The general guidelines for Pap smears are as follows:
- Ages 21 to 29. Every 3 years.
- Ages 30 to 64. Every 3 years or a combination of Pap and HPV testing every 5 years.
- Age 65 and older. Your doctor may recommend that you stop having regular Pap smears if you have never had an irregular result and have had at least two negative tests in a row.
If you’ve recently had an irregular Pap smear or are considered to be at high risk for cervical cancer, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing.
You should also still see your OB-GYN annually. Pap smear guidelines change often, and your doctor can let you know if and when you need a Pap smear or other gynecological testing.
Was this helpful?
When it comes to reporting Pap smear test results, most medical professionals will either tell you that your results were standard or that you may need to undergo further testing to confirm possible irregularities.
It’s important to discuss any concerns about your Pap smear results with your doctor. Also follow any next steps, including further testing recommendations.
Cervical cancer screenings are designed to detect possible precancer and cancerous cells for the earliest possible treatment.
Endocervical Cells and Pap Test
Every time I go for my yearly Pap smear exam, my cytology report comes back saying “no endocervical cells present. ” My ob-gyn says this is not unusual after menopause. I keep thinking if they are not looking at cervical cells, then what good is the Pap test for me? I could have cervical cancer and it would not be detected. What is your thought on this dilemma, and what can I do about it?
A Pap smear involves lightly scraping the surface of the cervix to collect cells. A pathologist then examines a Pap smear under a microscope, looking for two types of cervical cells: squamous cells, which are typically found in the outer surface of the cervix, and columnar endocervical cells, which come from the lining of the narrow opening in the cervix leading to the inside of the uterus (the endocervical canal).
Pathologists report on the appearance of both types of cells, and they report if no endocervical cells are seen, as in your case. Your ob-gyn is correct that this is not unusual in a woman who has gone through menopause. The reason is that after menopause, the cervix may be less pliable and the transformation zone (the section of the endocervical canal where squamous cells begin to change to columnar cells) moves higher up the cervical canal, making it more difficult to routinely obtain endocervical cells. However, in a premenopausal woman, the transformation zone is fairly close to the opening of the cervix, allowing the smear to capture both types of cells easily.
It will probably be reassuring to you to know that all the Pap smears that you have had did indeed look at the surface cells of the cervix, so the test has still been useful. Women whose Pap smears show no endocervical component but who have had otherwise normal results and are not seeing abnormal bleeding or other symptoms generally do not need another Pap smear performed until the next annual examination.
At your next yearly exam, you could discuss with your ob-gyn your concern about prior Pap smears lacking an endocervical component. He or she may be able to make a special effort to reach the endocervical canal with the Pap instrument. Sometimes, if it is difficult to reach the cervical canal, a small brush can be inserted into the canal to obtain the endocervical component.
Learn more in the Everyday Health Cancer Center.
How to Navigate Cancer Care if You’re LGBTQ+
Discrimination and barriers to cancer care for LGBTQ+ people can add to the stress of coping with cancer. Learn ways you can advocate for yourself and…
By Sarah Prager
Grieving for My Uterus
Breast cancer didn’t just take my breasts, it took my uterus, too.
By Asha Miller
Disparities in Cancer Care: Do You Know the Facts?
Black Americans face many biases in cancer care and treatment. Take this quiz to see how much you know about these healthcare disparities.
By Erica Patino
Spotlight On: Trials of Color
Trials of Color aims to educate the Black community on the importance of clinical trials in breast and colorectal cancer.
By Leona Vaughn
Cytological examination with Leishman’s stain (with a description of the cytogram), 2 slides, Papanicolaou’s stain hand over in Moscow
PAP test, or cytological examination of smears from exo- and endocervix by the Papanicolaou method, is a screening method for diagnosing cervical pathology. This type of cytological examination is recommended by most communities and is included in modern clinical guidelines. For the purposes of this analysis, PAP test is carried out by the classical method, namely the material is applied to the glass. Smears are taken by a doctor using special endobrushes (cytobrushes) for isolated smears from the surface of the cervix (exocervix) and from the cervical canal. Smears are applied to glass, which will later be sent to cytologists to evaluate the material obtained. The Papanicolaou method is the most accurate examination of exo- and endocervix cells. Unlike other methods, several complex stains are used to better stain the cytoplasm and nuclei. The smear is also fixed with 96% alcohol. This technique reduces the number of errors made due to insufficient preparation of the material directly for the study, and also allows cytologists to evaluate the most stained material. The description of the cytogram is always detailed, and the conclusion is according to the existing classification of Bethesda.
Smear quality assessment:
The material is complete, contains cells of flat and cylindrical epithelium in sufficient quantity.
Unsatisfactory for assessment (uninformative) material, Poor number of cells or their absence.
Cytogram within normal limits (NILM):
Contains cells of the superficial and intermediate layers of stratified squamous epithelium, metaplastic epithelium cells, leukocytes, cylindrical epithelium cells, endometrial epithelial cells.
Metaplasia (normal), squamous metaplastic epithelium cells indicate that the material was taken from the transformation zone.
Reactive changes:
Cytogram of inflammation, degenerative and reactive cell changes, inflammatory atypia, squamous metaplasia, hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, koilocytosis and other signs of viral damage.
Atrophy, cells of basal and parabasal types – small cells with a hyperchromic nucleus and poor cytoplasm. They can often be misinterpreted as cells with atypia, giving a false positive cytology result.
Pathological changes in the epithelium:
ASCUS (atypical squmous cells of undetermined significance) Changes that are difficult to differentiate between reactive epithelial changes and dysplasia. In ASCUS, cells are detected that are difficult to interpret – cells with dyskaryosis, enlarged and hyperchromic nuclei. Dynamic observation and additional examination is recommended, namely, repeated cytological examination after 6 months and HPV testing. In case of confirmation of ASCUS and the presence of human papillomavirus of high oncogenic risk, a colposcopy is performed. Studies show that 20% of women with ASC have dysplasia after a more thorough examination.
Precancerous changes:
LSIL (CIN I), a mild intraepithelial lesion involving human papillomavirus infection. Surveillance without active therapy is recommended. In most women, LSIL regresses on its own within a few years. All changes with low malignant potential are grouped into this group, since the cytologist often cannot distinguish between changes in HPV infection and CIN 1.
HSIL (CIN II-III), moderate to severe intraepithelial lesion. It is recommended to remove all affected tissues by the method (conization) with subsequent morphological examination. This group includes all changes with a high malignant potential.
AGC (atypical glandular cells), Atypical cells of the columnar epithelium. Curettage of the cervical canal for histological examination is recommended.
Tumor changes:
Squamous cell carcinoma, a malignant tumor of the squamous epithelium.
Glandular cancer, a malignant tumor of the glandular epithelium of the endocervical type.
Endometrial cancer, a malignant tumor that develops from the lining of the uterus and grows into the cervical canal.
Pap test. What do the abbreviations say?
Login
Registration
UA
EN
EN
EN
- UA
- EN
- EN
Home
About the hospital
media center
News
Pap test. What do the abbreviations say?
Every woman who has ever been to a gynecologist knows that at the reception they will definitely take smears from her, including for a cytological examination. In many cases, only after a comprehensive examination of the cervix – extended colposcopy, smears for flora and cytology, and, if necessary, a biopsy – the specialist will be able to establish a diagnosis and prescribe the optimal method of treatment.
The term “dysplasia” or “neoplasia” will no longer surprise women, even those who are far from medicine. They understand that we are talking about the presence of atypical cells, which can be in both malignant and benign processes.
And yet, when you hold the result of a smear with incomprehensible abbreviations in your hands, there is always excitement.
What is cytological screening and why every woman should undergo it?
— Inna Vitalievna, tell us what is the PAP test and how often should it be taken?
— Pap test, also called cytological screening, helps to detect and treat moderate and severe precancerous conditions of the cervix in a timely manner. Regular screening at the onset of sexual activity significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer. In most countries of the world, it is recommended to take a Pap test every three years from the age of 21, but Ukrainian doctors consider it expedient to start it in Ukraine earlier, from the age of 18, and complete it at 65, as in most countries of the world. This is due to certain epidemiological features: early onset of sexual activity, the prevalence of various forms of immunodeficiency, an extremely low level of HPV vaccination and a large number of cases of smoking among women.
— Do I need to prepare for a Pap test?
— It is better to be examined in the first dry days after menstruation. For women who take birth control pills, it does not matter which day of the cycle to take the test, and women in menopause can take it on any convenient day. 48 hours before the test, you should exclude sexual intercourse, do not use vaginal suppositories, irrigation, gels and creams.
The Pap test is a painless procedure. Some women may experience discomfort and aching pain in the lower abdomen during the sampling. This is fine.
Cellular material is taken with a special brush, which is placed in a container with a fixing transport solution or applied in a thin layer on a glass slide. Cotesting (simultaneous cytological examination and determination of the human papillomavirus (HPV) by the polymerase chain reaction method) makes the first, but confident steps in Ukraine.
– What might be the results of this study? What is recommended for each of them?
– For a descriptive cytological conclusion, the Bethesda classification is used, according to which the results are interpreted:
- ASCUS – inflammation or mild dysplasia of unclear significance;
- LSIL – low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (traditional cytology CIN I (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia) or “mild dysplasia”;
- HSIL – high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (traditional cytology CIN III/CIN III) or “moderate-severe dysplasia”;
- NILM – absence of intracellular lesions or malignancy, that is, the “norm”.
Often, women and especially young girls come with an incomprehensible result of a cytological examination of the cervix and with an exciting question “What to do next?” Upon receipt of any of the results of the PAP test, there are absolutely clear and scientifically based methods of additional examination and patient management tactics, which are based on international recommendations and evidence-based medicine data.
If you receive a “Poor Bethesda Cytology” result, it is recommended that you repeat the Pap test in 2-4 months (regardless of age).
Conclusion ASCUS (Atipical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance, atypical squamous cells of unknown significance) – characterizes such structural changes in cells, which are qualitatively and quantitatively insufficient for the diagnosis of CIN. This means that the cytological picture does not allow differentiating changes in the squamous epithelium between reactive and dysplastic, that is, precancerous. In most patients with these results, the cellular composition normalizes during follow-up, but 10-20% progress to dysplasia. However, the risk of developing severe CIN III dysplasia in women with ASCUS and a negative result for HPV (-) does not exceed 1-2%, therefore, such patients are observed without the use of invasive examination methods, and the tactics of observation depend on age and the presence or absence of highly oncogenic types of HPV in study of urogenital secretions.
Screening result ASC-H (Atypical Squamous Cells Can not Exlude HSIL) – regardless of HPV status, extended colposcopy is recommended, and biopsy, cervical curettage is indicated for any signs of damage. In women of peri- and menopausal age, if the transition zone of the squamous and columnar epithelium of the cervix is NOT visualized colposcopically, and curettage did not provide reliable information, conization of the cervix can be considered as a diagnostic measure. Such an intervention should be performed by an expert-level specialist. Further tactics depend on the results of histological examination.
Pap test with result CIN I or LSIL (Low-grade Intraepithelial Lesion, mild epithelial lesion) – Cytological changes due to HPV (koilocytosis) and non-specific inflammatory changes. CIN I often regresses on its own, therefore, in this group of patients, dynamic monitoring tactics are most often used. However, it is imperative to perform an HPV test to determine further tactics.
For women with CIN I and HPV (-), cytological control after 6 months is recommended, a double cotesting test after 12 months is possible. If after 12-18 months. based on the results of observation, we obtain NILM – it is recommended to move on to routine screening.
For women with CIN I / HPV (+), colposcopy is recommended, and if severe damage to the cervical epithelium is detected, a biopsy, and in its absence, repeated cytological control after 6 months. or double test after 12 months. In such patients, it is necessary to create conditions for the elimination of HPV: it is recommended to stop smoking, if necessary, to treat chronic infections, correct the vaginal microbiome – candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, chronic herpes infection, etc. It is worth remembering that 12-25% of HPV ( +) Women with CIN I may progress to more severe CIN within 4 years.
In the presence of a cytological conclusion of CIN II and CIN III or HSIL, in 70-80% of cases, patients have CIN II / III in the histological material after biopsy and cervical curettage, and in 1-3% – invasive cancer. Therefore, regardless of HPV status, colposcopy is always recommended by a trained specialist, biopsy of altered areas under colposcopy control, endocervical curettage in non-pregnant women, followed by a morphological study of the material obtained. A colposcopic examination of the vagina is also recommended. In cases with a cytological result of CIN II/III, if colposcopy shows no changes or a mild lesion is detected, biopsy and endocervical curettage (if not performed before) and/or diagnostic cone biopsy are recommended.
As an exception, girls under 21 years of age. The risk of invasive cancer is extremely low, and colposcopy and cytology should be repeated after 3-6 months, provided that the colposcopy is adequate, that is, the transformation zone is visualized, and endocervical curettage is negative.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is always recommended prior to invasive procedures, as these women are at increased risk for cervical neoplasia.
— What to do if there is a histological confirmation of mild or moderate and severe cervical dysplasia?
— If a low-grade LSIL lesion (mild dysplasia, CIN I) is detected on biopsy and if the colposcopy results are satisfactory (the type 1 transformation zone is completely visible), two approaches are possible: observation, which is recommended in most cases, or active treatment, which may be considered for signs of long-term persistence of CIN I.
Surveillance is the best management strategy, especially for young women and those planning pregnancy. It consists in cytological control + HPV testing + colposcopy every 6 months until there is cytological and colposcopic evidence of regression of mild dysplasia. It is worth noting that in patients with untreated CIN I, there is a 13% risk of detecting CIN II, CIN III during two years of follow-up.
Surgical, namely excisional treatment of CIN I may be offered to patients with long-term persistence of the lesion for more than 18 months, especially those with a positive HPV status and in women older than 30 years; patients who do not have reproductive plans and refuse to undergo regular control gynecological examination; women with a positive HIV status.
With histological confirmation of HSIL, that is, CIN II and CIN III, the treatment tactics are more likely to be surgical. However, it is worth remembering that about 40% of cases of CIN II can regress within 2 years, especially in young women. CIN III regression is extremely rare.
Treatment recommendations for severe CIN III dysplasia are unanimous: mandatory removal of the pathologically altered part of the cervix, i. e. excision / conization in non-pregnant patients. The only exception is HSIL (CIN II) in girls under 21 years of age, in the absence of a positive HIV status, since young patients are more likely to regress. In this category of patients, it is also desirable to conduct an immunohistochemical study of the proliferative activity index using monoclonal antibodies to the p16 or p16 / Ki67 protein to clarify the biological potential of dysplastic changes in the cervical epithelium. Observation is possible in the absence of p16 overexpression for no more than 12 months. With persistence of HSIL (CIN II) and HPV (+) for more than 12 months. The use of excisional treatments is recommended. Surgical treatment of HSIL (CIN II / III) can be performed by trained experts under colposcopy guidance.
Since the cervix is covered not only with a flat, but also with a cylindrical glandular epithelium, which is located in the cervical canal, accordingly, oncological problems also occur here.
The cytological conclusion of the PAP test – AGC (cervical intraepithelial lesion of glandular cells) and AIS (adenocarcinoma in situ) in each case requires a consultation with a cytologist, oncogynecologist, gynecologist of an expert level.
Atypical glandular cells in a cytological smear may be of endocervical origin, i.e. from the cervix, or endometrial, i.e. from the uterine cavity. Therefore, all patients in this group are recommended extended colposcopy and cervical curettage. Examination over the age of 35 includes mandatory endometrial curettage or hysteroscopy, especially in the presence of concomitant extragenital pathology (obesity + diabetes mellitus + hypertension), pathological uterine bleeding and a family history burdened with cancer.
If there is atypia of glandular cells or AIS on biopsy but no evidence of invasive cancer, conization of the cervix may be considered as the method of choice in young patients with reproductive plans for the future, however, women who have realized their reproductive function and do not plan to give birth in the future are recommended hysterectomy – removal of the uterus, especially with histologically confirmed AIS, taking into account the high probability of incomplete removal of the lesion during conization (up to 26%) or invasive cancer (1. 2%), frequent relapses of the disease after treatment, the multifocal nature of the disease, and the uninformative cytological manifestations of AIS.
Remember that with early detection of cervical cancer, the disease has a favorable prognosis for treatment and full recovery, so you should take care of your own health first of all!
You can undergo an examination by a gynecologist, pass all the necessary tests, do a Pap test and, if necessary, undergo treatment for identified precancerous diseases at the Israeli Oncology Hospital LISOD. The best oncogynecologists will give a detailed consultation on the results of the tests and prescribe an effective treatment.
Sign up for a consultation:
0-800-500-110 — free of charge within Ukraine;
+ 38-044-277-8-277.
the 14 th of July
Cervical cancer is not psychomatic.