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What are Atypical Squamous Cells?

A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg

The surface of a woman's cervix is made up of cells known as squamous cells. In some cases, some cells may become abnormal; these are known as atypical squamous cells, or ASC. These abnormal cells may be caused by a variety of issues, some of more concern than others.

Atypical squamous cells are typically discovered during a routine Pap smear. This is a gynecological test where a doctor collects and examines cells from the cervix to determine if they are healthy. If any cells appear abnormal, this is referred to as dysplasia, which may be a precursor to cancer. In these cases, the doctor will perform further tests to find the root cause of the issue.

Atypical squamous cells are usually discovered during a routine Pap smear.
Atypical squamous cells are usually discovered during a routine Pap smear.

There are two categories of abnormal squamous cells; the first is known as ASC-US, or atypical squamous cells with uncertain significance. This means there are some minor changes in a portion of the cells, but the cause is not immediately clear. ASC-US is generally not considered to be dysplasia, as the abnormalities in the cells are very minimal. They may be the result of several relatively minor issues, including a yeast infection, hormonal changes, or the use of certain medications.

The surface of the cervix are made up of squamous cells.
The surface of the cervix are made up of squamous cells.

Pap results that fall under the ASC-US category typically are not an immediate cause for concern. A test for the human papillomavirus, or HPV, may be useful to determine if this is the cause, as it is often responsible for abnormal cells, plus it may also later contribute to cancer, so early diagnosis is desirable. If the woman is negative for HPV, a second Pap smear may be performed after several months to see if the atypical squamous cells are still present. Once a woman has had two normal Pap smears, she can return to regular routine exams. If the second Pap is again ASC-US, further tests will probably be required.

A biopsy of squamous cells may be necessary to remove a sample of tissue for laboratory examination.
A biopsy of squamous cells may be necessary to remove a sample of tissue for laboratory examination.

The second type of atypical squamous cell is known as ASC-H. The H means that the results suggest the possibility of a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. These types of cells are extremely abnormal and may be precancerous, so further testing should be performed right away. The doctor will typically order a colposcopy, where the cells of the cervix are coated with a solution and then examined using an instrument called a colposcope. A biopsy may also be necessary to remove a sample of tissue for laboratory examination.

Discussion Comments

Lostnfound

Since cell changes may occur before any symptoms of cancer show up, this underlines why Pap smears are important. Some people have said a woman doesn't need one every year, but I disagree. I can, in fact, make a better case for this than a yearly mammogram, especially in women who do not have a family history of breast cancer.

Pap smears rarely show false positives (or false negatives, for that matter) and they do not expose a woman to anything more than about 30 seconds of minor discomfort (assuming the doctor knows what he or she is doing). No radiation or X-rays are involved. Just a quick swipe and you're done.

And, the earlier any abnormal cells are detected, the better the outcome usually is. Having a Pap smear is not my favorite activity, but I'd rather do that than be diagnosed with Grade 4 cervical cancer.

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    • Atypical squamous cells are usually discovered during a routine Pap smear.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      Atypical squamous cells are usually discovered during a routine Pap smear.
    • The surface of the cervix are made up of squamous cells.
      By: reineg
      The surface of the cervix are made up of squamous cells.
    • A biopsy of squamous cells may be necessary to remove a sample of tissue for laboratory examination.
      By: Leah-Anne Thompson
      A biopsy of squamous cells may be necessary to remove a sample of tissue for laboratory examination.
    • Pap smears are typically administered by gynecologists, who are doctors that specialize in treating issues involving women's reproductive systems.
      By: jovannig
      Pap smears are typically administered by gynecologists, who are doctors that specialize in treating issues involving women's reproductive systems.
    • Atypical cells may be caused by a sexually transmitted disease.
      By: ponomarencko
      Atypical cells may be caused by a sexually transmitted disease.
    • A yeast infection might cause the rise of atypical squamous cells.
      By: Barabas Attila
      A yeast infection might cause the rise of atypical squamous cells.