Should endocervical cells be present in Pap smear?
Guidelines do not mention the presence or absence of endocervical cells. Guidelines are summarized in the Pap test learning module as follows: “The presence of squamous metaplastic cells and/or dysplastic cells and/or endocervical cells is generally regarded as evidence of adequate sampling of the transformation zone.
What does endocervical cells indicate?
The presence of endocervical cells on a Pap smear is an indication that the smear included sampling of the cervical canal and, by inference, the squamo-columnar junction. If endocervical cells are not seen, it may mean: You did not sample high enough in the cervical canal.
Are endocervical cells cancerous?
Cell types This is called the endocervix. The skin-like cells of the ectocervix can become cancerous, leading to a squamous cell cervical cancer. This is the most common type of cervical cancer. The glandular cells of the endocervix can also become cancerous, leading to an adenocarcinoma of the cervix.
What does no endocervical component identified mean?
Endocervical cells absent. This means that the sampling of cells during your pap didn't include those inside-the-canal cells. If you've never had an abnormal pap in the past, it's fine for an occasional pap to not sample these cells.
How do I read my Pap smear results?
A Pap test result can be normal, unclear, or abnormal.Normal. A normal (or “negative”) result means that no cell changes were found on your cervix. ... Unclear (ASC-US) It is common for test results to come back unclear. ... Abnormal. An abnormal result means that cell changes were found on your cervix. ... Negative. ... Positive.
What are the five categories of Pap smear abnormalities?
There are five main categories of abnormal Pap smear results within the Bethesda system:Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). ... Squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL). ... Atypical squamous cells that may or may not be HSIL (ASC-H). ... Atypical glandular cells (AGC). ... Cancer.
What is the difference between endocervical and cervical?
The cervix is made of two parts and is covered with two different types of cells. The endocervix is the opening of the cervix that leads into the uterus. It is covered with glandular cells. The exocervix (or ectocervix) is the outer part of the cervix that can be seen by the doctor during a speculum exam.
What does it mean when your Pap smear shows inflammation?
If inflammation (redness) is present in the cells on the Pap smear, it means that some white blood cells were seen on your Pap smear. Inflammation of the cervix is common and usually does not mean there is a problem.
What are the symptoms of abnormal cervical cells?
The most common symptom is abnormal bleeding that starts and stops between regular menstrual periods, or that occurs after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam. Other symptoms may include: Heavier menstrual bleeding, which may last longer than usual. Bleeding after menopause.
Is endocervical component present bad?
However, the presence of these cells isn't usually a cause for concern. The phrase “endocervical cells present” simply means that your doctor sampled cells from the inside of your cervix during the Pap smear.
What is a satisfactory Pap smear?
Satisfactory Pap Smear (and normal). Pap smear specimens are considered satisfactory for interpretation if there are: Adequate numbers of well-visualized squamous cells present. Adequate numbers of well-visualized endocervical cells or squamous metaplastic cells (from the transformation zone).
What does it mean to have a normal Pap smear but test positive for HPV?
The most common reason for a negative Pap test with a positive HPV result is that the patient has an HPV infection, but the infection is not causing any cellular abnormalities. Cellular abnormalities caused by HPV can be quite focal on the cervix, while the HPV infection can be more widespread.
What does atypical endocervical cells mean?
Atypical glandular cells are simply cells that do not look normal on the Pap smear. They are often called “atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance.” Glandular cells are found in the thin tissue layer making up the cervix's inner canal, as well as in the uterus.
What does it mean when your Pap smear shows inflammation?
If inflammation (redness) is present in the cells on the Pap smear, it means that some white blood cells were seen on your Pap smear. Inflammation of the cervix is common and usually does not mean there is a problem.
What does it mean to have a normal Pap smear but test positive for HPV?
The most common reason for a negative Pap test with a positive HPV result is that the patient has an HPV infection, but the infection is not causing any cellular abnormalities. Cellular abnormalities caused by HPV can be quite focal on the cervix, while the HPV infection can be more widespread.
Are squamous metaplastic cells cancerous?
Squamous metaplasia is a noncancerous change in the cells that make up the tissue lining for organs and glands (epithelium). Most people have nonkeratinizing cervical squamous metaplasia. This condition doesn't increase cancer risk. Keratinizing squamous metaplasia can turn into dysplasia, which may lead to cancer.