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Atypical squamous cells (ASC) of the cervix

Atypical squamous cells (ASC) are abnormal cells found on a Pap test, but the reason for the abnormalities is not known. The causes of ASC include infection or inflammation.

ASC is further classified as:

  • ASC of undetermined significance (ASC-US).
  • ASC but cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) (ASC-H).

If you have ASC-US abnormalities, your health professional will probably recommend watchful waiting or human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. ASC-H abnormalities have a higher risk of being identified as more severe changes and are evaluated with colposcopy.

Author Sandy Jocoy, RN
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kevin Holcomb, MD - Gynecologic Oncology
Last Updated January 5, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 05, 2009
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