pap smear

Microglandular hyperplasia of the cervix

Microglandular hyperplasia is a benign (noncancerous) condition of the cervix. It occurs when the glandular cells in the cervix, which normally produce mucus, increase in number and form small, crowded gland-like structures. This condition is not harmful and is often found by chance during an examination or biopsy. The term “hyperplasia” refers to the increased …
Read More »

Tunnel clusters of the cervix

Tunnel clusters are groups of glandular structures found in the cervix. These structures are lined by cells that normally produce mucus in the cervix. Tunnel clusters are benign (noncancerous) and typically form as part of a normal healing process in the cervix. They can look like small tunnels or tubes, which is how they get …
Read More »

Nabothian cyst of the cervix

A nabothian cyst is a small, fluid-filled sac that forms on the surface of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Nabothian cysts are common and benign (noncancerous), meaning they are not harmful. They form when mucus-producing glands in the cervix become blocked, trapping the mucus …
Read More »

Chronic cervicitis

Chronic cervicitis means prolonged inflammation cervix, specifically in the transformation zone between the ectocervix and the endocervix. It is a very common condition that may affect up to half of all women at some time during their adult life. What are the symptoms of chronic cervicitis? Most women with chronic cervicitis do not experience any …
Read More »

Pap test

A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, is a screening procedure used to detect precancerous and cancerous conditions in the cervix and anal canal. The test involves collecting a sample of cells from the cervix or anal canal. The cells are then examined under a microscope by a pathologist with the results provided …
Read More »

ASC-US on a Pap smear of the cervix

What does ASC-US mean on a Pap smear of the cervix? ASC-US stands for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. It means that abnormal cells were found on the surface of your cervix when the Pap smear was performed. Does ASC-US on a Pap smear mean cancer? No. ASC-US does not mean cancer. However, it …
Read More »

Adenocarcinoma in situ of the cervix

What is adenocarcinoma in situ of the cervix? Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) is a precancerous disease in the cervix. The disease starts from glands in a part of the cervix called the endocervix. If not treated, AIS can turn into a type of cervical cancer called endocervical adenocarcinoma. Is adenocarcinoma in situ a type of …
Read More »

Negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM)

What does the term negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) mean? Negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) means that no pre-cancerous or cancerous cells were seen in your Pap smear. It is a normal result. How do pathologists make this diagnosis? The diagnosis of NILM is made after a Pap smear of the …
Read More »

ASC-H on a Pap smear of the cervix

What does ASC-H mean? ASC-H stands for atypical squamous cells, cannot rule out HSIL. It means that abnormal squamous cells were seen in your Pap smear.  These abnormal cells raise the possibility that a more serious pre-cancerous disease called high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) may be present in your cervix. What causes ASC-H? Causes of …
Read More »

HPV associated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

HPV associated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix is a type of cervical cancer. It starts in the squamous cells, which are the flat cells that line the surface of the cervix. These cells form the outermost layer of the cervix and are the most common site where HPV infection leads to cancerous changes. This …
Read More »

A+ A A-