Download ASCUS Pap Test Result

HEALTH EDUCATION FACT SHEET
“ASCUS” PAP TEST RESULT
What does “ASCUS” mean?
A Pap test is used to detect changes in cells on the cervix. When a test result shows that abnormal cells
were present, the cells were most likely termed atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, or
ASCUS.1 An ASCUS result may sound upsetting, but it usually indicates mild cellular cervical changes and
does not mean there is an immediate risk for cervical cancer. Most abnormal cells will clear with treatment
and sometimes they go away on their own. 2
Much less frequently, other types of abnormal cells are detected which may be pre-cancerous, or cancer
itself. When pre-cancerous changes are found early, they can be treated to prevent cancer from occurring
because it can take years for cervical cancer to develop.
How common are abnormal results?
About 400,000 Canadian women have abnormal Pap test results every year.3
What can cause an ASCUS result?
There are a number of reasons for an ASCUS result. The cells on the cervix could be inflamed because of an
infection such as yeast, or sexually transmitted infections. There are many types of the human
papillomavirus (HPV) that can be the cause of abnormal cells. A few types of HPV may lead to the
development of cancer, but most do not.
What happens after getting an ASCUS result?
If an ASCUS result is thought to be related to an infection, your doctor will likely recommend you have
another Pap test in six months.2 This will give the infection a chance to clear. If the result of a follow-up
Pap test is abnormal, a referral for colposcopy will be recommended to further examine the cervix and
possibly remove a tissue sample for testing. In Ontario, the following are more specific age-related
guidelines for managing an ASCUS result1: (guidelines do not apply to women with special circumstances—
your doctor will advise you based on your individual case)
Women under 30 years of age with an ASCUS Result:
Repeat Pap test
in 6 months
Result:
ASCUS
Result:
Normal
Referral for
Colposcopy
Testing
Repeat Pap test
in 6 months
Result:
ASCUS
Result:
Normal
Routine
screening in
3 years
HEALTH EDUCATION FACT SHEET: “ASCUS” Pap Test Result (cont’d)
Women ≥ 30 Yearsof age with an ASCUS Result:
NN
HPV
Testing*
Result:
HPV -
Repeat Pap test
in 12 months
Result:
Normal
Result:
HPV +
Referral for
Colposcopy
Testing
Result:
ASCUS
Routine
screening in
3 years
*If HPV testing is not available, women ≥30 will be followed the same as women under 30.
HPV testing is currently not funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC).
What does colposcopy involve?
The specialist performing colposcopy applies a solution on the cervix causing the abnormal cells to turn
white. A colposcope, an instrument that magnifies what can be seen on the cervix, is used to get a very
close look. If there is reason to take a tissue sample for lab testing, the procedure may cause some
cramping and minor bleeding. Results of colposcopy and lab tests often take three weeks at which time
your doctor will recommend the appropriate follow-up treatment and/or monitoring.3
Summary
An ASCUS Pap test result is usually not associated with dangerous cellular changes in the cervix. However,
all abnormal results should be monitored to provide patients with the most appropriate follow-up care.
Screening and early detection are critical in the prevention of cervical cancer. It is important for patients
with an ASCUS result to return for further testing as recommended by their doctor.
References
1
Cancer Care Ontario (2012). Ontario Cervical Cancer Screening Cytology Guidelines Summary.
The Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists of Canada (2013). Pap Testing: Management after an abnormal pap
test result. http://scgc.org/publications
3
The Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists of Canada (2013). Pap Testing. http://scgc.org/publications
2