If you have had a Pap test, a fine needle aspiration, or a procedure to sample fluid from around your lungs or in your abdomen, the report you received was likely a cytology report. Cytology reports are different from the tissue-based pathology reports most people are familiar with — they are based on the examination …
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Microglandular hyperplasia is a noncancerous condition of the cervix in which the glandular cells grow in greater numbers than usual and form many small, closely packed glands. The word hyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of cells in a tissue. Microglandular hyperplasia is harmless. It does not become cancer, and having this condition …
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Tunnel clusters are groups of small gland-like structures that can form in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. These glands are lined by the same mucus-producing cells that are normally found in the cervix. Under the microscope, they often appear as tightly packed tubes or tunnels, …
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A Nabothian cyst is a small, fluid-filled sac that develops on the surface of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Nabothian cysts are very common and benign, meaning they are noncancerous and generally harmless. They form when small mucus-producing glands in the cervix become covered or blocked. Mucus …
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Chronic cervicitis means long-term inflammation of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Inflammation most often develops in the transformation zone, the area where glandular cells lining the inside of the cervix are gradually replaced by squamous cells from the outer surface. Chronic cervicitis is very common and may …
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A Pap test (also called a Pap smear) is a simple screening test used to look for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix or anal canal. These areas are lined by squamous cells, which can develop changes over time that may lead to cancer if not detected and treated early. The main purpose …
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The transformation zone is a normal part of the cervix, the lower end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Two different types of cells cover the cervix: Squamous cells, which cover the outer surface of the cervix (the ectocervix) Glandular cells, which line the cervical canal leading into the uterus (the endocervix) The …
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Negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) is the most common and reassuring result on a Pap test (also called a Pap smear). It means that the cells collected from your cervix showed no signs of precancerous change or cancer. In most situations, NILM is considered a normal result. This article will help you understand …
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ASC-H stands for “atypical squamous cells — cannot rule out high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL).” It is a result on a Pap test (also called a Pap smear) that means abnormal squamous cells were found in the sample from your cervix, and these cells raise enough concern that a precancerous condition called high-grade squamous intraepithelial …
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HPV-associated squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of cervical cancer. It develops from squamous cells, the flat cells that line the outer surface of the cervix, following persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Most cases develop slowly over many years from a precancerous condition called high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). …
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