We scan vaginal and/or cervical smear sample taken by our gynecologist for the presence of cancerous or potentially pre-cancerous cells.
During the course of sampling the topmost and most easily removable layer of cells are taken from the outer opening of the cervix.
The test may also detect infections of the vagina or uterus. Annual scanning is recommended for sexually active women over the age of 18.
The cytological results are evaluated according to the Bethesda classification, which includes the following categories:
Specimen adequacy:
- Satisfactory
- Unsatisfactory for evaluation (e.g., due to insufficient cellular material).
General interpretation of the smear:
- Negative: No unusual abnormalities in the epithelial cells.
- Other changes: No precancerous conditions, but signs of other benign changes (e.g., infections, inflammation, epithelial atrophy) or post-abnormality regenerative conditions.
- Epithelial cell abnormalities: Identifiable epithelial cell abnormalities.
Epithelial cell abnormalities:
- ASC (Atypical Squamous Cells): Mild abnormalities where the exact cause is unclear.
- ASC-US: Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance.
- ASC-H: Atypical squamous cells where a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cannot be ruled out.
- SIL (Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions): Abnormal squamous cell changes.
- LSIL: Mildly atypical cells (cell changes corresponding to CIN1).
- HSIL: Severely atypical cells (cell changes corresponding to CIN2-3).
- AGC (Atypical Glandular Cells): More serious cellular changes that may be precancerous.
- AGC-NOS: Atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance.
- AGC-FN: Atypical glandular cells where malignancy (glandular cancer) cannot be ruled out.
- AIS (Adenocarcinoma in situ): Epithelial glandular cancer.