- Written By: Jennifer Long
- Edited By: Allegra J. Lingo
- Last Modified Date: 17 April 2012
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Copyright Protected:
2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
An epithelial cell abnormality is the term for abnormal cells found on the cervix, most often detected during a pap smear. This test result does not necessarily indicate a malignant or cancerous growth, but is often a sign that cancer could form. An abnormal pap smear that yields this type of pap results will require repeat testing, generally at three month intervals.
When test results show an epithelial cell abnormality, this signifies the presence of pre-carcinoma cells. These cells do not always mean that cancer is present. Doctors will repeat testing to continuously monitor the cell activity for changes. If any changes occur and the cells become cancerous, proper treatment can be received quickly.
Epithelial cell abnormality results can be from several different problems with varying degrees of severity. One issues which causes the formation of these cells is atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS). This means that the epithelial cells are slightly abnormal, but their exact significance is not definitively known. These abnormally shaped cells are called atypical because they have a different shape than usual, but their function and growth still remains the same.
Another cause of abnormal epithelial cells could be cervical dysplasia. In this instance, cervical cells grow abnormally, and they are either shaped oddly or they grow in larger quantities. This abnormal cell growth is not cancer, but can develop into cervical cancer. Cervical dysplasia can cause abnormal pap results.
While most epithelial cell abnormality results do not mean cancer is actively present, there are some cases where cancer is present but in infantile stages. A severe case of dysplasia or carcinoma in situ are two such cases, and are both limited to the cervix. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the flat epithelial cells of the cervix and can cause abnormal results.
An epithelial cell abnormality does not mean that cancer will always occur. Abnormal cells will be closely monitored. Many doctors will want other testing to be done in addition to recurring pap tests. A colposcopy, for example, can be used to check for tissue abnormalities. Small sampes of tissue can also be tested by performing a biopsy.
Treatment for an epithelial cell abnormality will depend on the problem that causes the results. If the problem is non-cancerous, there is not usually any immediate treatment, but the doctor will often recommend close monitoring and regular tests. For cancerous problems that cause the abnormal results, the treatment will vary from case to case. Not all of the problems associated with abnormal epithelial cells are identical.
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anon261766
Post 8 |
I got my Pap results back and they said, "Epithelial Cell Abnormality. Atypical Squamous cells, Cannot Exclude high-grade squamous epithelial lesion." I went to the gynecologist and the doctor did a biopsy. I am so damn scared. I am literally in fear to death thinking that I might have cancer. I am 30 and I am so desperate for a kid now. I have to wait for one more week to get the results. Can't wait. |
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anon258874
Post 7 |
Since my very first pap, 20 plus years ago, I have always had abnormal readings with epithelial cell abnormality and low grade squamous interephithelial lesions. I can't possibly get too excited as additional tests show nothing. I just want other women to know it could be normal to their body and you shouldn't get too excited as this stage, as it's quite possible it means nothing! |
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anon246530
Post 6 |
I had a pap almost two weeks ago and last week my doctor told me I had epithelial cell abnormalities. My doctor (not my ob/gyn, he just did my pap as part of my routine physical) told me not to put it off and to see my gyno within a month or two, but would not elaborate on what exactly it means. So of course, I went to the internet and if you ever want to create a small hysteria in yourself, look up some medical test results. I have a colonoscopy scheduled in four days. My family has histories of hysterectomies so I am a little worried, since I am only 29. And we also have a history of other types of cancer in young women in my family, mostly in their 40's. I'm trying not to be worried and just go with the flow until I know something for sure but its hard considering I have no idea how long it will be before the results of the colonoscopy are in and I will have some answers. |
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anon244403
Post 5 |
I just got my results: Epithelial cell abnormality. Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia, grade II (VAIN I). I have had a total Hysterectomy. Should I be concerned? Please advise. |
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KimSCM
Post 4 |
I just got the results of my pap and my doctor says its abnormal, possibly pre-cancerous. On my results sheet, it says the general categorization is epithelial cell abnormality and the interpretation/result says atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASC-US). She's recommending a repeat pap in one to two months with HPV testing as well. I'm really trying not to freak out but it's hard not to. I don't want to take it lightly, nor do I want to overreact. |
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jlong
Post 3 |
Burcidi: You are very right. It is important to be monitored for abnormalities as often as recommended by a doctor. Yes, it is possible for nothing bad to come from having an abnormality, but it should also not be ignored. |
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burcidi
Post 2 |
My brother is a doctor. He tells me that there are different categories of epithelial cell abnormality. It depends on the number of abnormal cells found in that tissue and there are varying levels too.
So just because someone has cell abnormality, they should not jump to conclusions about what might happen. It might be the case that there are only a few abnormal cells which will not develop into anything. The only way to know is by regular monitoring. |
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feruze
Post 1 |
My best friend found out that she has abnormal epithelial cells in her cervix. They took a sample, and thankfully it is not cancer. Now she is going for regular check ups and smear testing.
I'm really happy that she caught it early on so that she can monitor it case it develops into a tumor. But I've heard that quite a few of these abnormalities develop into cancer in the following years.
I just wish that there was a treatment option at this stage to prevent cancer from developing in the first place. It's sort of like she is waiting to see what happens. |
