
A large amount of epithelial cells in your urine may indicate an infection, kidney disease, or other serious medical condition. If there are squamous epithelial cells in your urine, it may mean your urine sample was contaminated. This means that the urine sample contains cells from the urethra (in men) or the vaginal opening (in women).
What does high count of epithelial cells indicate?
When there are high epithelial cells, this could be a source of concern, as it could be an indication of infection, malignancies, or even inflammation. What does it indicate? As a man or woman, it is normal for you to shed a certain amount of epithelial cells from your bladder present in urine. In small amounts, this should not be a source of worry.
What does high epithelial cells in urine mean?
What Does a High Count of Epithelial Cells Indicate? According to the Mayo Clinic, a high level of epithelial cells that are revealed in a urinalysis sample can be an indication of a tumor. More commonly, a high count of these cells in a urine test indicates that the urine sample has been contaminated.
What epithelium is considered rare?
What epithelium is considered rare? Stratified cuboidal epithelium– is somewhat rare in the human body. It's mainly found in the ducts of glands (sweat glands, mammary glands) and is typically has two layers of cuboidal cells. Stratified columnar epithelium– is also rare in the human body.
What causes epithelial cells in urine?
What causes high epithelial cells in urine test?
- Normal tissue sloughing. It is very normal for your epithelial tissue to slough off some cells from time to time. ...
- Kidney disease. ...
- UTI (Urinary tract infection) A UTI will usually start in the urethra before finding its way into your bladders. ...
- Contamination. ...
- Additional Findings. ...
What if my squamous epithelial cells are high?
It's normal to have one to five squamous epithelial cells per high power field (HPF) in your urine. Having a moderate number or many cells may indicate: a yeast or urinary tract infection (UTI) kidney or liver disease.
What causes high epithelial cells in urine?
A raised amount of epithelial cells in the urine are often the sign of a minor infection, such as a UTI or yeast infection. Anyone with bothersome urinary symptoms should see a doctor for urinalysis and a proper diagnosis.
What does high squamous mean?
High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions look somewhat to very abnormal when looked at under a microscope. They are usually caused by chronic infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and are found when a Pap test or biopsy is done.
What does squamous epithelial cells mean?
A squamous epithelial cell is a large flattened cell with abundant cytoplasm and small round central nucleus. Although squamous epithelial cells have little clinical significance, they must be differentiated from other cellular elements.
Where are squamous epithelial cells found?
The epidermis is a thin layer of squamous epithelial cells located on the outermost surface of the skin. This layer is void of blood vessels or nerve endings.
Can you have white blood cells in urine without infection?
It is possible to have white blood cells in the urine without a bacterial infection. Sterile pyuria refers to the persistent presence of white blood cells in the urine when no bacteria are found to be present by laboratory examination.
Is epithelial cell abnormality serious?
These cell changes are usually more serious than ASC (atypical squamous cells). This means there is a greater risk that precancer or cancer is present. This result is sometimes called mild dysplasia.
Are squamous cells normal in Pap smear?
A normal Pap smear shows healthy squamous cells (flat cells that look like fish scales) from the surface of the cervix. There are no signs of infection and no abnormal cells. Even if your Pap results are healthy, you should be tested regularly.
What does squamous cell in Pap smear mean?
Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance is the most common abnormal finding in a Pap test. It may be a sign of infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) or other types of infection, such as a yeast infection.
Can squamous cells be benign?
Squamous cell lesions of the urinary bladder are generally rare, and they may be benign or malignant [4–7].
What is a high number of epithelial cells in urine?
The normal range is less than 15-20 cells per high power field. “Moderate” or “many” cells may indicate a medical condition such as: Urinary tract infection (UTI) Yeast infection.
What does epithelial cells in the urine mean?
The most common cause of epithelial cells in urine is improper urine sample collection. Your doctor may, therefore, ask you to take another urine test. The presence of epithelial cells in urine may indicate infections, kidney disease, or (very rarely) a serious illness such as a tumor.
What is epithelial cells abnormality?
Epithelial cell abnormalities This means that the cells lining the cervix or vagina show changes that might be cancer or a pre-cancer. This category is divided into several groups for squamous cells and glandular cells.
What should be the epithelial cells in urine?
Squamous epithelial cells: These are the largest types of epithelial cells and are easily found in the urine. These cells are usually found in the vagina, or in the male or female urethra, and usually appear as a result of urine contamination.
What do Squamous Epithelial Cells in Urine Mean?
Doctors carry our urine analysis to look for the presence of bacteria and germs which cause infection or disease. In fact, the absence of squamous cell from a urine sample can still be an indicator of a UTI.
How many nuclei are there in squamous epithelial cells?
According to the Mayo Clinic, squamous epithelial cells are large epithelial cells with up to 5 nuclei. 1. Although many websites say that the presence of squamous epithelial cells indicates a kidney disease, this is not the case. The Faculty of Medicine in Masaryk University says that squamous epithelial cells originate from ...
What does it mean when you have a large number of epithelial cells in your urine?
The presence of a large number of epithelial cells in a urinalysis test may indicate a bacterial infection , however, having many squamous epithelial cells ( SECs) in urine usually indicates that the urine sample was contaminated. There are three types of epithelial cells that can show up in urine. According to doctors from the Mayo Clinic, ...
What type of epithelial cells are found in the uterus?
Squamous epithelial cells. Transitional epithelial cells. Renal epithelial cells. Transitional epithelial cells are found in the uterus and bladder. As their name would suggest, renal epithelial ...
What type of cancer is squamous cell carcinoma?
Dr. Gary David Steinberg says that squamous cell carcinoma is a type of bladder cancer. Usually, doctors will carry out a urine test to check for blood in urine. Doctors may also include a urine culture in the tests to check for infection and the presence of cancer. 7
What does it mean when you have white blood cells in your urine?
If you have white blood cells in your urine, that could indicate an infection in your urinary tract or inflammation in your bladder. Other factors in your urine sample that can help doctors identify specific health issues are: Clarity. Urine should be a pale-yellow color that isn’t cloudy. Odor.
Where are transitional epithelial cells found?
Transitional epithelial cells are found in the uterus and bladder. As their name would suggest, renal epithelial cells are found in the kidneys. According to Johns Hopkins, the finding of renal epithelial cells in urine may indicate a problem with the kidneys. 2. Advertisement.
What does it mean if your Squamous Epithelial Cells result is too high?
An epithelial cells in urine test looks at urine under a microscope to see if the number of your epithelial cells is in the normal range. It's normal to have a small amount of epithelial cells in your urine.
What is the most common type of cell found in urine sediment?
They are found on the following locations in your body: - your skin. - blood vessels, - urinary tract, - and organs. The most common type of cell seen in the urine sediment is the squamous epithelial cell. A squamous epithelial cell is ...
What does a large amount of urine mean?
A large amount may indicate: - Urinary tract infection. - Yeast infection. - Kidney disease. - Liver disease. - Certain types of cancer. Large numbers of squamous epithelial cells in the urine of women can represent vaginal or perineal contamination. Large numbers in the urine of an uncircumcised male can also represent contamination.
What does it mean when you have large numbers in your urine?
Large numbers in the urine of an uncircumcised male can also represent contamination . If your results are not in the normal range, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have a medical condition that requires treatment. You may need more tests before you can get a diagnosis.
Do squamous epithelial cells differentiate?
Although squamous epithelial cells have little clinical significance, they must be differentiated from other cellular elements. Squamous epithelial cells line the urethra in females and the distal portion of the urethra in males.
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What does HSIL Pap smear mean?
An HSIL Pap smear result indicates that more defined changes in the size and shape of cervical cells have been detected, which indicates there is likely moderate-to-severe cervical dysplasia.
What is abnormal Pap smear?
An abnormal Pap smear result of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) means that cells of the cervix (the narrow neck of a woman's uterus) look somewhat to very abnormal when examined under a microscope. 1 . Before cervical cancer forms, the cells of the cervix undergo abnormal changes called cervical dysplasia.
Can a Pap smear be used to diagnose HSIL?
Pap smear screening results, such as HSIL, aren't enough to make a diagnosis and plan treatment (they represent only a sampling of cells). If Pap smear results come back as HSIL, your healthcare provider may recommend a colposcopy exam and biopsy. This is true whether or not an HPV test is positive or negative.
What is a high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion?
High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) is a pre-cancerous disease that develops in the cervix. HSIL is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). If left untreated, patients with HSIL are at high risk for developing a cancer of the cervix called squamous carcinoma.
Where are abnormal squamous cells located?
When a larger tissue sample is removed in a biopsy or excision, the abnormal squamous cells will only be seen in the epithelium at the surface of the tissue. Unlike normal, healthy squamous cells, the abnormal cells do not become smaller and flatter as they move from the bottom of the epithelium to the top.
What is the procedure for squamous cell carcinoma?
Cold knife cone biopsy – Similar to LEEP (above). Hysterectomy – In this procedure, the entire uterus and cervix are removed. This procedure is usually only performed when squamous cell carcinoma is found and for large tumours. There are many factors to consider when deciding which treatment option is best for you.
What is the movement of abnormal cells from the epithelium into the stroma called?
The movement of abnormal cells from the epithelium into the stroma is called invasion.
Where are abnormal cells found on a Pap test?
In a tissue biopsy, the abnormal cells are usually found throughout the epithelium.
How to diagnose HSIL?
The diagnosis of HSIL is usually made after a small tissue sample is removed during a Pap test or a biopsy. The diagnosis can also be made when part or all of the cervix is removed for another reason.
What Is An Epithelial Cell Abnormality?
An Epithelial Cell Abnormality is when an epithelial cell has undergone abnormal cellular changes, which could indicate cancerous or pre-cancerous cells. When abnormal cells are found on the cervix, this is also known as cervical dysplasia.
What is an Epithelial Cell?
Epithelial cells are found on the surface layers of the body such as the skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and organs. The cells create a barrier between the inside and outside of the body, protecting it from invaders like viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.
What does Cervical Intraepithelial Lesion (CIN) mean?
A cervical biopsy taken through colposcopy is needed to find out whether precancer or cancer is actually present. Cervical biopsy results are reported as Cervical Intraepithelial Lesion (CIN) on a grade of 1, 2, or 3.
What is the function of epithelial cells?
They serve as a barrier between the inside and outside of your body, and protect it from viruses. A small number of epithelial cells in your urine is normal. A large number may be a sign of infection, kidney disease, ...
What are the different types of epithelial cells?
Types of epithelial cells. Epithelial cells differ by size, shape, and appearance. There are three types of epithelial cells that can be found in your urine, depending on their origin: Renal tubular. These are the most important of the epithelial cells. An increased number can mean a kidney disorder.
How many epithelial cells are there in urine?
Epithelial cells naturally slough off from your body. It’s normal to have one to five squamous epithelial cells per high power field (HPF) in your urine. Having a moderate number or many cells may indicate:
Is squamous epithelial cell found in urine?
A urinalysis that finds squamous epithelial cells in the urine isn’t the norm, William Winter, MD, a clinical chemist for Shands Hospital and professor of pathology and pediatrics at the University of Florida, told Healthline.
Can epithelial cells reveal UTI?
It may be the result of a contaminated sample. Epithelial cells may also reveal underlying conditions, such as a UTI or kidney disorder. Only your doctor can interpret your test results and decide your best course of action. Even then, further testing may be needed. Last medically reviewed on November 3, 2017.

Classification
- Most people only become familiar with the term squamous cell when they are diagnosed with a squamous cell carcinoma. This is a type of cancer that affects the squamous layers of the epithelium. Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common cancer of the oral cavity. These c…
Diagnosis
- There is another reason that women may be familiar with the term squamous cell. They may have heard the words after getting a Pap smear result. Several diagnoses that might be given in response to a Pap smear use the word squamous. For example, ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance). This diagnosis is exactly what it sounds like. It means a Pap sm…
Causes
- Most cervical cancers and pre-cancers are caused by infections with HPV. Human papillomavirus infects and transforms the squamous cells of the cervix. It can also infect and transform the cells of other tissues in the body. Depending on circumstances, over time, healthy cells may replace these transformed cells or they may continue growing abnormally and become cancerous. That …
Clinical significance
- HPV infection is also associated with squamous cell cancers in other locations. They include cancers of the head and neck, the vulva, the penis, and the anus. In fact, some scientists estimate that four out of every five cancers are caused by HPV! Fortunately, HPV-associated cancers have been found to be more treatable than other squamous cell cancers at least in the head and neck.
Prognosis
- It's understandable that abnormal Pap smear results can seem upsetting. However, remember that many cervical changes go away on their own. This isn't just true for ASCUS smears. Many pre-cancerous lesions also go away on their own within a year or two.
Treatment
- Therefore, if you have an abnormal Pap smear, resist the urge to panic! Instead, talk to your doctor about the steps you want to take going forward. Your doctor may advise treatment. However, they may also take a wait and see approach. A large research study has shown that women who have a follow-up Pap smear six months after an abnormal low-grade smear do just as well as those w…
Prevention
- The risk of HPV infection can also be reduced by vaccination. Cervarix and Gardasil are two vaccines that have been shown to reduce the risk of HPV infection. However, they are most effective when they are given before young people become sexually active. If you are a young adult or the parent of a young adult, talk to your doctor about whether the HPV vaccine is a goo…
Diagnosis
Location
- Transitional epithelial cells are found in the uterus and bladder. As their name would suggest, renal epithelial cells are found in the kidneys. According to Johns Hopkins, the finding of renal epithelial cells in urine may indicate a problem with the kidneys.2
Definition
- Squamous epithelial cells are found in your urinary tract and are described as flat skin cells with an irregular outline. According to the Mayo Clinic, squamous epithelial cells are large epithelial cells with up to 5 nuclei.1
Causes
- Although many websites say that the presence of squamous epithelial cells indicates a kidney disease, this is not the case. The Faculty of Medicine in Masaryk University says that squamous epithelial cells originate from the urethra or vagina and are commonly found in urine samples. However, its the presence of transitional epithelial cells that would indicate a urinary tract infecti…
Preparation
- If you must collect a urine sample, your doctor will usually give you an appropriate container to collect the urine sample. Dr. Husney says that if you need to make yourself pee to collect a sample, you should avoid consuming foods like beets or blackberries to avoid coloring your urine. Its also important to avoid contaminating the urine sample with bacteria as this could cause a la…
Treatment
- Although the presence of squamous epithelial cells in urine isnt by itself a sign of a UTI, many people assume that this is the case. If you think that you have a urinary tract infection, what can you do to resolve it? Here are some natural remedies to help treat a urinary tract infection naturally: Drinking baking soda water can help you reduce the painful symptoms of a UTI becaus…
Prevention
- You can coat a tampon in raw yogurt and place this inside your vagina. Apply the yogurt tampon 3-4 times a day to help relieve the symptoms of urinary tract infection. Also consume a few large spoons of raw yogurt several times a day to help increase good bacteria in your digestive and urinary tract. You can also take probiotic supplements. The University of Maryland Medical Cent…
Benefits
- According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, taking 500 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 1 to 2 times daily may be beneficial for managing bladder infections and for immune support.12