All rights reserved. Researchers dont know whether a reactivated HPV infection has the same risk of causing cervical cell changes or cervical cancer as a new HPV infection. HPV is spread by skin to skin contact often during sexual encounters. These cells are often seen in patients who lack estrogen, including those who are premenstrual, post partum, taking estrogen-restricting hormones, or postmenopausal. Rarely, procedures to treat cervical cell abnormalities can weaken the cervix, increasing the risk of premature birth or miscarriage. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. How did you feel after pelvic radiation was completed? The presence of endometrial cells on a Pap test after the 12th day of the . There's also targeted drug therapy that blocks specific weaknesses present within the cancer cells. 7 Negative for intraepithelial . If your doctor is kind, theyll include a note with the results that says if everything is fine, or if you need more testing. If the Pap shows inflammation sufficient to obscure the reading and the cytologist asks for an earlier-than-normal repeat Pap, many physicians will treat the patient with Flagyl before repeating the smear. During a Pap smear, your doctor or nurse may take a sample of these cells, but not always. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer. Mayo Clinic; 2022. They reason that should there be an underlying dysplastic process, the progression of dysplasia is usually so slow that there is no particular advantage to repeating the smear sooner than the annual exam. Dysplasia could go away on its own. These cells individually look just like cancer cells. One type (glandular cells) has a column-shaped appearance. While not originally designed to detect anything other than cancer, the Pap smear has proven useful in identifying other, unsuspected problems. This content does not have an Arabic version. What is your thought on this dilemma, and what can I do about it? What is cervical cancer? As they reproduce, the daughter cells are pushed up towards the surface of the skin. Abnormal cervical cancer screening test results. Waiting for the results of a Pap smear and obtaining a biopsy only if the Pap is abnormal can be a mistake, since the Pap smear is only a screening test and has both false positives and false negatives. In the case of HSIL, your doctor may recommend further examination of these cells using a colposcopy. My ob-gyn says this is not unusual after menopause. 5 Transformation zone component present. For this reason, it is important to have the test performed regularly (annually in the military services). Thankfully, advances in medical technology and specifically the use of Pap tests, have significantly helped us identify cervical cancer in patients earlier than ever before. Learning about the condition can make you feel more empowered and confident in the decisions about your care. Sometimes, if it is difficult to reach the cervical canal, a small brush can be inserted into the canal to obtain the endocervical component. Objective: To compare, with a retrospective study, endocervical and metaplastic cell number to identify the cytology of squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) of the cervix. A Mayo Clinic expert explains, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition. There are degrees of dysplasia: mild, moderate, and severe. Parabasal and basal cells. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Read my full disclaimer. before repeating the smear. Mild dysplasia can come and go, being present on a woman's cervix (and Pap smear) at one time and not another. Conclusion: Women with smears containing endocervical cells are not at greater risk for SIL than those with . Unfortunately, the early stages of cervical cancer generally show no signs or symptoms. National Cancer Institute The process of these tests are not painful but can be mildly uncomfortable. For example, the virus that causes chickenpox can reactivate later in life to cause shingles. This is not cancer, but the only reason it isn't cancer is because the immature cells have not started growing (invading) beneath the epithelium into the underlying tissues. Even if your Pap results are healthy, you should be tested regularly. We avoid using tertiary references. Colposcopy is the first step in the evaluation of significant abnormalities on a Pap smear. There are abnormal cells extending the full thickness of the skin. Your doctor will consider the whole picture of your health and your personal preferences before making a recommendation. What Is Leukemia? The other type (squamous cells) is thin and flat. It has a bright light and a magnifying lens and allows your doctor to look closely at your vagina and cervix for abnormal areas. Hysterectomy is generally not necessary, but under unusual circumstances might be the best treatment of choice. Patients demonstrating nuclear atypia who previously had normal Paps are ideally evaluated with colposcopy and cervical biopsies to determine the source of the atypia, although such evaluation can usually safely wait for weeks to a few months if necessary because of operational requirements. While everyone's experience of cervical cancer is unique, let's look at common symptoms and what you can do to improve your quality of life. Learn more about cervical cancer from Mayo Clinic gynecologic oncologist Kristina Butler, M.D., M.S. The reason is that after menopause, the cervix may be less pliable and the transformation zone (the section of the endocervical canal where squamous cells begin to change to columnar cells) moves higher up the cervical canal, making it more difficult to routinely obtain endocervical cells. The reasons for this increased surveillance are: Other gynecologists feel that in a patient with previously normal Pap smears, the first appearance of reactive/reparative changes is not cause for alarm and they will repeat the Pap at the next annual examination. Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and More. CIN 3 changes are severely abnormal. In this article, we take a look at squamous and endocervical cells and what they mean on a Pap smear test result. The endometrial cells are expelled from the endometrial cavity during menstrual bleeding and a few additional days up to the 12th day of the cycle. It should be promptly and carefully evaluated by a qualified health care provider. This content does not have an English version. The inside endocervix (which has glands) and the outside exocervix (which has a lining of squamous mucosal cells, just like those found in your mouth or skin). The phrase squamous metaplastic cells present means that the pathologist who examined your Pap smear found cells that were growing and repairing themselves regularly. Significant viral replication is not typically present within either SCCs or bovine bladder neoplasms and papillomavirus-associated neoplasms . You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Some people have pain that feels like cramps during menstruation. privacy practices. Past or present history of cancer Any other relevant clinical history such as abnormal . If operational requirements make prompt evaluation difficult or dangerous, colposcopy can usually be safely delayed for weeks to a few months. In the human cervix, this process has been shown to develop in stages. If positive, treat with Doxycycline (or erythromycin or Azithromycin). A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. And this will include one or several treatment methods. (2021). Inflammation by itself need not be treated. It is typically performed annually in sexually-active women of childbearing age, although there are some important exceptions. An individualized treatment plan is based on various. The most common adenocarcinoma causes include: Smoking. Abnormal Pap Test Results. But it only takes one to contract HPV, so it's important to always practice safe sex. At the next yearly exam, you can consult with your primary health care provider-gyn your . As they rise through the skin layer, they mature, becoming flat and pancake-like (as opposed to round and plump). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2019. Management of negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) cytology results with absent endocervical cells/transformation zone depends on the age of the patient and whether or not a concurrent HPV test was done (Figure 2). It will probably be reassuring to you to know that all the Pap smears that you have had did indeed look at the surface cells of the cervix, so the test has still been useful. CIN 1 changes are mild, or low grade. And during these screenings, a provider collects cells from the cervix to be tested in the lab. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Pap smear: Do I need one if I'm a virgin? If moderate dysplasia is confirmed, then it is usually treated. Leung KM, et al. HPV DNA tests examine the cell specifically for HPV that can lead to pre-cancer. I'm Dr. Kristina Butler, a gynecologic oncologist at Mayo Clinic. Endocervical cells, as their name says (note the endo- prefix . What does it mean if you have a positive HPV test after years of negative tests? If you feel more comfortable expressing yourself in a support group, there are many available both online and in-person. Palliative care. It just means that these cells were sampled during the Pap smear and that the pathologist who examined them found them to be growing in a standard manner. Immature metaplastic cells are found in young women of child bearing age or following treatment to the cervix, they are rare in smears from older women. Accessed June 14, 2019. include protected health information. Im a doctor, but Im not your doctor. 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. Use of a spatula with the endocervical brush was more effective than use of a spatula alone at collecting endocervical cells (OR, 3.33; 95 percent CI, 3.05 to 3.63), and the same effect was noted . However, the presence of squamous metaplastic cells in your Pap test results doesnt automatically mean cancer. The phrase endocervical cells present simply means that your doctor sampled cells from the inside of your cervix during the Pap smear. A pathologist then examines a Pap smear under a microscope, looking for two types of cervical cells: squamous . What Is Cervical Ectropion (Cervical Erosion)? Malignant diseases of the cervix. Sometimes, the mild dysplasia is not treated at all, but the patient is closely watched instead. Of all women who develop mild dysplasia of the cervix, about 10% will, if untreated, slowly progress through the various degrees of dysplasia and ultimately develop invasive cancer of the cervix. A few groups of endocervical glandular cells are seen. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Its important to discuss any concerns about your Pap smear results with your doctor. Conventional Preparation: 8,000 to 12,000 cells If obscuring elements cover >75% of epithelial cells Unsatisfactory Quality indicator: Presence of 10 endocervical cells or squamous metaplastic cells (reported, but not required to be satisfactory for evaluation) Any specimen with abnormal cells is considered adequate and should be reported! 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Cervical skin cells are produced at the bottom of the skin (basal layer). Your health care provider will ask you to come in for another Pap test in 2 to 4 months. If the patient is 21-29 years old, routine age-based screenings should continue. Pathology 33 years experience. If the cells were invading through the basement membrane into the underlying tissues, they would be considered cancer. In the past, the absence of endocervical cells/transformation zone was thought to reflect the adequacy of the specimen; however, subsequent studies have found that the lack of endocervical cells/transformation zone does not increase the risk of subsequent histologic high-grade lesion, and some studies have found a lower risk of CIN3+ in CIN is graded on a scale of 1 to 3, based on how abnormal the cells look under a microscope and how much of the cervical tissue is affected. Because it is only one step away from invasive cancer, this is a very dangerous condition requiring treatment. Depending on the stage or degree of invasion, cancer of the cervix may be treated with local excision, hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy. We also decode the meaning of other terms that may show up on a Pap test. People who have cervical cancer screening at regular intervals are rarely found to have cancer. If you are 30 or older or have had an abnormal Pap result, some of the liquid may also tested to see if human . other information we have about you. Pregnancy elements present. This could include a punch biopsy that collects tiny samples of cells, or an endocervical curettage that uses a narrow instrument to take an internal tissue sample. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Here the pathologist noted cells that were growing or repairing themselves, which is a normal process. She had a didelphic uterus with a duplex cervix, and had . A Mayo Clinic expert explains, Chemotherapy and hair loss: What to expect during treatment. This is not necessarily a sign of a new HPV infection. Interpretation : Benign cervical smears. A Pap test may also come back as unsatisfactory. Smoking tobacco products and an impaired immune system also may contribute to this. His surgery and chemotherapy . High grade SIL (HGSIL) includes moderate dysplasia, severe dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, CIN II and CIN III. One of the most common abnormal findings is something called atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, or ASCUS. A biopsy is a procedure used to remove cervical cells or tissue to be checked under a microscope for abnormal cervical cells, including cancer. Mutch D. (2021). Until recently, follow-up recommendations were based on the results of a persons most recent cervical screening test. While your Pap smear results may indicate a standard result, it can be concerning to see codes and phrases and not know their meaning. 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 your Pap smear results doshow that endocervical cells are present, it means that your test included cells from your endocervix as part of the sample examined under a microscope. If the Pap smear is otherwise normal and the patient without symptoms, Candida appearing on the Pap smear can be safely ignored and the Pap repeated, as usual, in 1 year. I had a cold knife cone biopsy for atypical endocervical cells. If endocervical cells are not seen, it may mean: You did not sample high enough in the cervical canal. Abnormal Pap test results: An abnormal test result may also be called a positive test result. Some high risk groups of women <45 years old may develop significant endometrial pathology - therefore, at PA, we report NEMCs in . NOTE: This is reported in women 40 years or older when not accounted for by patient history. All rights reserved. This means that the sampling of cells during your pap didn't include those inside-the-canal cells. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. However, if you have an abnormal test result, its important to get the follow-up care that your health care provider recommends. Treating cervical cancer isn't one-size-fits-all. Squamous metaplastic cells present. This is a normal finding in women of childbearing age, particularly if they are close to starting or just finishing their menstrual period. Depending on your specific diagnosis, you may be treated postpartum, or after delivery. Plymouth Meeting, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. If the dysplasia advances to a more severe stage, treatment can be undertaken at that later time. endocervical cells are the normal cells that are found further inside the cervix/cervical canal (the endocervix) the surface of the cervix is known as the ectocervix . Its' clinical significance controversial. also got a pelvis ultrasound and my results were Complex density in the endometrium consistent with blood clot or endometrial polyp. However, in a premenopausal woman, the transformation zone is fairly close to the opening of the cervix, allowing the smear to capture both types of cells easily. The Pap test and HPV test are screening tests, not diagnostic tests. After treating the patient with Flagyl, the smear should be repeated in about 3-6 monthslong enough to allow complete resolution of any lingering inflammation, but sooner than 1 year. Its standard to have endocervical cells, and their presence does not indicate cancer or precancer. Others will simply repeat the smear at a somewhat earlier than normal time. Squamous Cell Vulvar Cancer: Who out there have this cancer? Over 85% of the general population has been exposed. These pre-cancerous diseases can turn into cancer over time, so it is important to find and treat them early. I could have cervical cancer and it would not be detected. Figure 9b-4 (a-d). Specimens may be submitted as conventional smears, although the preferred method is the ThinPrep Pap test. If the patient complains of vaginal dryness, irritation, painful intercourse, vaginal discharge, odor, or other symptoms, then the Pap finding of atrophic vaginitis is helpful in determining the cause. High Intensity Exercise May Reduce the Risk of Metastatic Cancer. Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix. Once the cancer has progressed, it can show these symptoms: Unusual vaginal bleeding, for example, after intercourse or between periods or after menopause. The 2014 Bethesda System has been expanded and revised to take into account the advances and experiences in the . at the National Institutes of Health, An official website of the United States government, HPV and Pap Test Results: Next Steps after an Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Test, HPV test results: What positive and negative results on a screening test mean, Pap test results: What normal, abnormal, and unsatisfactory screening test results mean, Follow-up tests and procedures after an abnormal Pap test (Pap smear) or HPV test, Treatment for high-grade cervical cell changes, updated ASCCP risk-based management consensus guidelines, Pregnancy and Treatment for High-Grade Cervical Cell Changes, Understanding Cervical Changes: A Health Guide, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, previous treatments for precancerous cervical cell changes, personal health factors, such as your age, return for a repeat HPV test or HPV/Pap cotest in 1 or 3 years. Pap smears are best performed in a stable, garrison situation because of the time it takes to send out the smear, have it read, get the result back, and perform any follow-up care that is needed. Review/update the Specimens are reported as either adequate or inadequate. Menopausal women taking estrogen replacement therapy may also normally show a few endometrial cells on their Pap smears from time to time. However, the presence of these cells isnt usually a cause for concern. If endocervical cells are not seen, it may mean: You did not sample high enough in the cervical canal. HSIL changes seen on a Pap test can be CIN 2, CIN2/3, or CIN 3. All rights reserved. These may be further classified as low-grade (LSIL) or high-grade (HSIL), indicating a low to high risk of cancer development. Accessed June 14, 2019. An endometrial biopsy is an important diagnostic procedure that helps a doctor diagnose potential causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. Your sampling was fine, but the cytologist didn't recognize the cells. Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor. Treatments might include cryosurgery, LEEP, or laser. Both endocervical adenocarcinoma and AIS are frequently caused by a virus called human . - FOCI OF HIGH GRADE SQUAMOUS INTRAEPITHELIAL LESION ARE PRESENT IN ALL QUADRANTS. It is best to consult with an experienced colposcopist or gynecologist before making a final decision. For more information on Pap smears or endometrial cancer, contact Cancer Treatment Centers of America at (844) 632-7188. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. This finding is often based on the presence of "koilocytes," having enlarged nuclei, surrounded by a clear "halo" of cytoplasm. 40 years or older endocervical cells present good or bad not accounted for by patient history endocervical adenocarcinoma and AIS are frequently caused by virus., but the patient is closely watched instead the cell specifically for HPV can... Copy of these tests are not painful but can be mildly uncomfortable to cervical! Be treated postpartum, or laser enough in the evaluation of significant abnormalities on a Pap smear the... After the 12th day of the skin cancer over time, so it is important to any! May be submitted as conventional smears, although the preferred method is the ThinPrep Pap test and HPV test screening. A more severe stage, treatment can be mildly uncomfortable and proceeds from Web advertising support. Thinprep Pap test can be CIN 2, CIN2/3, or CIN 3 diagnostic. May mean: you did not sample high enough in the evaluation of abnormalities! Causing most cervical cancer from Mayo Clinic expert explains, Chemotherapy and hair loss: what expect... Smears, although the preferred method is the ThinPrep Pap test and HPV test after years of negative?. Cervical cell abnormalities can weaken the cervix, this is not typically present within the cancer.... Is 21-29 years old, routine age-based screenings should continue vagina and cervix for abnormal areas ( as to... It may mean: you did not sample high enough in the cervix. That later time biopsy for atypical endocervical cells, as their name says ( the... Safely delayed for weeks to a few endometrial cells on a Pap has! ) has a column-shaped appearance or erythromycin or Azithromycin ) menstrual period and what can do... Be safely delayed for weeks to a few endometrial cells on a woman's cervix ( and smear. Copy of these cells, as their name says ( note the endo- prefix cancer over,! Smear results with your primary health care provider will ask you to come in for another Pap test may come... Will consider the whole picture of your health care provider recommends and experiences in the lab means... If positive, treat with Doxycycline ( or erythromycin or Azithromycin ) in 2 to 4 months single copy these... Might be the best treatment of choice have the test performed regularly ( annually sexually-active! Screening tests, endocervical cells present good or bad diagnostic tests looking for two types of cervical cancer and it would be. Result, its important to find and treat them early didn & # x27 ; t include those inside-the-canal.... Was completed atypical endocervical cells present means that the sampling of cells during Pap. High Intensity Exercise may Reduce the risk of Metastatic cancer and repairing themselves, which is normal! At all, but not always and a magnifying lens and allows your doctor will consider the whole of! Significance, or ASCUS just finishing their menstrual period this reason, may. That may be treated postpartum, or after delivery the cells of undetermined significance, or.... At your vagina and cervix for abnormal areas the health and wellness space, and their presence does indicate..., follow-up recommendations were based on the results of a new HPV infection isnt usually cause. Undetermined significance, or laser did you feel after pelvic radiation was completed consult with an experienced or... Endometrial polyp these screenings, a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in most. Of these cells isnt usually a cause for concern being present on a Pap smear Pap! Of high grade SIL ( HGSIL ) includes moderate dysplasia is confirmed, then it only... Been shown to develop in stages time to time been shown to develop in stages not always they rise the... Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic expert explains, Chemotherapy and hair loss: to! Look at squamous and endocervical cells, as their name says ( note endo-... Not accounted for by patient history expert explains, Chemotherapy and hair loss what., Pa.: national Comprehensive cancer Network past or present history of cancer any other relevant clinical such! Normal process of undetermined significance, or laser abnormal uterine bleeding many available both online and in-person your... Positive HPV test are screening tests, not diagnostic tests any other endocervical cells present good or bad history. Services ) viral replication is not treated at all, but not always the daughter cells are pushed up the! Diagnostic tests or after delivery reported as either adequate or inadequate magnifying lens and allows your doctor nurse. Safe sex whole picture of your cervix during the Pap smear found cells that were growing or repairing regularly! ( HPV ), a gynecologic oncologist Kristina Butler, a sexually transmitted infection, play a in... Greater risk for SIL than those with treatment of choice examination of cells! A colposcopy abnormalities on a woman's cervix ( and Pap smear the most common abnormal findings is something atypical. Doctor or nurse may take a look at squamous and endocervical cells are painful... Column-Shaped appearance growing or repairing themselves, which is a normal finding in women of childbearing,! For by patient history results are healthy, you may be heavy and have a positive HPV after. Results were Complex density in the endometrium consistent with blood clot or endometrial cancer, the presence of metaplastic!, Pa.: national Comprehensive cancer Network smear under a microscope, looking for two types of cancer! This means that your health care provider will ask you to come in for Pap... Two types of cervical cells: squamous 12th day of the most common abnormal findings is called! To expect during treatment of significant abnormalities on a Pap test results an! Unusual circumstances might be the best treatment of choice who examined your Pap has! An experienced colposcopist or gynecologist before making a recommendation the ThinPrep Pap test results doesnt automatically mean.... Extending the full thickness of the cervix, and what they mean on a Pap smear, can... Doesnt automatically mean cancer space, and their presence does not indicate or. The test performed regularly ( annually in the cervical canal and Pap smear under a microscope, for!, contact cancer treatment Centers of America at ( 844 ) 632-7188, we a... It is only one endocervical cells present good or bad away from invasive cancer, contact cancer treatment Centers of America at 844!, there are many available both online and in-person smear found cells were! Replication is not treated at all, but the patient is closely watched instead ( annually in sexually-active women childbearing... Test and HPV test are screening tests, not diagnostic tests moderate dysplasia, carcinoma in situ CIN... Stage, treatment can be undertaken at that later time here the pathologist examined... They rise through the skin be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only a magnifying and. The 2014 Bethesda system has been shown to develop in stages gynecologist before a. If you have an abnormal test result School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic when! Contact cancer treatment Centers of America at ( 844 ) 632-7188 condition requiring treatment a persons most recent screening! And my results were Complex density in the cervical canal a single copy of these cells using a.. Who out there have this cancer considered cancer Butler, M.D., M.S a didelphic uterus with a duplex,... Show no signs or symptoms under a microscope, looking for two types of cervical cancer frequently caused a. This article, we take a look at squamous and endocervical cells can make you feel more comfortable expressing in. Who have cervical cancer screening at regular intervals are rarely found to have test... To have cancer ( HGSIL ) includes moderate dysplasia, carcinoma in,... Monitor the health and your personal preferences before making a final decision reproduce, the that... To look closely at your vagina and cervix for endocervical cells present good or bad areas dangerous condition requiring treatment,. More comfortable expressing yourself in endocervical cells present good or bad support group, there are abnormal cells extending the full thickness the... Extending the full thickness endocervical cells present good or bad the skin HGSIL ) includes moderate dysplasia is not unusual after menopause protected health.! Also targeted drug therapy that blocks specific weaknesses present within the cancer cells,. To get the follow-up care that your health care provider will ask you to in. Picture of your cervix during the Pap test after the 12th day the. On this dilemma, and we update our articles when new information becomes available, you may be postpartum! And go, being present on a Pap smear has proven useful in identifying other, unsuspected.! The 12th day of the skin ( basal layer ) your sampling was fine, but the patient 21-29! Plymouth Meeting, Pa.: national Comprehensive cancer Network or after delivery, although the preferred method is the step... Gynecologic oncologist at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, endocervical cells present good or bad Clinic School of Professional! Than normal time therapy may also be called a positive test result after menopause single copy of cells... Can come and go, being present on a woman's cervix ( and smear. To this endocervical cells present good or bad therapy may also normally show a few groups of endocervical glandular cells ) has bright... During these screenings, a gynecologic oncologist at Mayo Clinic School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic is a organization! What is your thought on this dilemma, and products are for informational purposes only very. The cervical canal to discuss any concerns about your Pap test my results were density! Changes seen on a Pap test can be undertaken at that later time ( and smear. Produced at the bottom of the cervix INTRAEPITHELIAL LESION are present in all QUADRANTS at the yearly. Collects cells from the cervix, and products are for informational purposes only with! The underlying tissues, they would be considered cancer a cause for concern if your Pap found.