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ASCUS on cervical cytologic smears. Clinical significance
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Medical School at Houston 77030, USA.
Objective:
To determine the significance of the category atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) in predicting the presence of underlying squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) and to determine the best follow-up method.
Study Design:
Follow-up studies of all cervical cytologic smears with a diagnosis of ASCUS within 14 months were reviewed.
Results:
SIL was diagnosed in 66.67% of ASCUS patients upon follow-up with biopsies with and without smears. SIL was diagnosed in 17.39% of ASCUS patients upon follow-up with smears only.
Conclusion:
Based on this study, ASCUS on smears serves as a good marker of underlying SIL. Follow-up studies with biopsies with and without smears appear to be more effective in detecting underlying low grade SIL than repeat smears only.