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| home : pages : what's new in medicine vol. 4 : when your pap smear is ascus : | |||||
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WHEN YOUR PAP SMEAR IS ASCUSAn abnormal PAP smear be reported as ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) may be due to a viral infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus associated with the risk of developing cervical cancer. Once inside a cell, the virus directs the cell to make copies of itself and infect other healthy cells. Cells that are infected with the virus are shed along with the dead cells and may infect another person.There is a debate over the management of ASCUS smears. In our office, we aim for an early diagnosis of infection with a VIRA PAP-HPV DNA collection kit. With over 50 types of HPV, a DNA- based type-specific assay provides important information, as patient treatment and prognosis may vary with different virus genotype. Since HPV type 16 and 18 are carcinogens and may lead to the development of cervical cancer, typing of the virus is of the utmost importance prior to more invasive procedures like colposcopy and cervical biopsy. Colposcopy (viewing of the cervix through a magnifying lens), if negative, may send a wrong signal for correct diagnosis and reassurance. Such patients may return in a few months with another abnormal PAP smear. Patients who test positive for HPV 16 require further evaluation and treatment with a 6-month interval follow up. --> return to menu / back ... (click) --> return to top of the page (click) |
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