What is ASCUS?
ASCUS stands for “atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance,” which is a way of saying that a selection of biopsied cells appears slightly abnormal, but that the significance of the finding is not known. This term comes up most commonly in reference to the results of a Pap test, and while it may sound alarming, it usually is not a reason for worry. A number of things can cause an ASCUS result, and this very common result is the most mild type of abnormality. In a Pap test, a doctor takes a small swab of cells from the cervix and sends them to a laboratory for testing. A normal Pap result indicates that there were no abnormalities in the sample. An ASCUS result indicates that abnormalities were found, but they are not very serious. In other instances, advanced abnormalities may suggest that someone has the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a case of cervical cancer, or another medical problem. Usually, an ASCUS finding is caused by mild inflammation or irritation around the cervix
