ASCUS on pap smear: What does it mean?

ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) is one of four possible results women can receive on their pap smears.
Dr. Nick LeRoy discusses what ASCUS means, whether it represents cervical dysplasia, and whether it signifies that your dysplasia is improving. #ASCUS #papsmear
For an evidence-based approach to HPV and cervical dysplasia, check out Dr. Nick's book: Painting a Target on HPV--available on Amazon.
For supplements and suppositories: shopdrnick.com
For detailed information on natural treatment options for HPV and cervical dysplasia go to drnickleroy.com
For telemedicine consultations with Dr. Nick, please email him at [e-mail]

[@sandyb2895]

Thank you for taking the time to explain, what seems completely gibberish to me, what an ASC-US with negative HPV. Although I will still be calling my Dr to clarify what it all means, this is giving me already a better understanding of what to expect when I speak with him.

[@god563616]

Amazing thank you❤️ Just got pap results: Mild ASCUS, Zero HPV. OBGYN recommends regular pap exam next year 😊

[@dwdrawings367]

I just got the same results today. Finally reached some information that’s broken down and making sense. ❤

[@ishagurung805]

Me to thank you

[@ishagurung805]

Mine to few ascus doctor called me again after 6 mnth 😢😢

[@christineferreyra1695]

Thank you so much for this educational content, really eased my stress.

[@katieatkins9165]

Dr. Nick, Thank you for making this video. I "just" received a ASCUS Pap result come back with negative on the HPV. I have had a class 3 pap come back years ago and had my cervix frozen and had no other issues for years. This procedure was done when I was 20 years old. I just turned 50 yrs old, I have not gone through menopause as they just went over my hormone blood work with me. I have lived with PCOS since I was diagnosed at 17 yrs old. I did not have the hair issue part of it but I have never been a-typical on my cycles. I will meet with Dr. Spivey on the 21st of this month as I'm scheduled for a ultrasound and uturine biopsy on this day, I will ask him about doing the exam you were speaking of to stain the cells to look closer on my cervix to be on the safe side. The nurse gave me the results but Dr. Spivey has not spoken to me about this so I guess this will happen when I get there on the 21st. I'm very grateful for your video.

[@Hottietatsy]

You are a cervix guru 🤓

[@tej6176]

Hello do you know if people with sensitive skin and a bit overactive immune system in general ( skin reactions like contact dermatitis ) and with auto immuun diseases in the family are more likely to have inflammation on the cervix in general very easily and ASCUS pap smears? Ive had ASCUS a lot of times, without HPV, doctors dont really know how to explain it. However due to this i have to come back at least every 12 months and its stressing me out. I think that there is a correlation between having permanent irritated or inflamed cervix cells and people who have sensitive skin and contact dermatitis and overactive immune system in general. Do you have any data or research on this?

[@tammyfaloon9334]

I'm postmenopausal and been going through this HPV/severe dysplasia thing for 5 yrs. Gynecologist says its precancerous. Since I've already had a LEEP last yr, now I go in for the cone because the gynecologist can't get all the samples in LEEP biopsies.

[@fhaymarzo5936]

If only you are here in the Philippines, I might be asking your help as well..thank you for a the info

[@spiritualwarriorhealer6154]

Dr Nick. Can you do a video on Squamous cell level.II lympnode metastatic what this all means HPV pos+ and tumor on tonsil but no lesions?

[@Tim.McElheny]

Thanks for posting!

[@Joi-os6lq]

Thank you so much for the explanation. Question, if it is inflammation, what can I do to get rid of the inflammation? My HPV test is negative with a complete hysterectomy, due to findings in leep procedure.

[@fatimazahrazogha9733]

Me also my hpv test it a negative but I don’t now what I will do??

[@carolreeves1949]

Hey Doc, I’m 61 & had my first Lsil pap, hpv negative. My GYN did a colposcopy which was normal. A year later my pap came back ASCUS, still hpv negative. Does this mean it’s getting better? GYN said severe atrophy can come back as lsil…

[@ceeceebrownn]

I’m scared I got to do Biospy

[@chizzyhbc2425]

Very useful video. Thank you so much

[@pinkertot]

I had endometriosis surgery and ovarian cyst removal about 2.5 months ago. You mentioned ASCUS could be caused by inflamation. My most recent pap smear identified ASCUS. Could inflammation result from a procedure like the one I had? Is inflammation-caused ASCUS only a result from infections, like HPV?

[@sidology1.0]

Ascus could be from yeast as well.

[@navisaalatas4477]

Thankyou so so so much! Needed this

[@ScorpionPrincess1989]

Hey Doc I’m still getting acquainted with all the terminologies, I was wondering what the difference was between dysplasia and dyskaryosis? I have low grade dyskaryosis on my pap smear and have no idea what this means. They’ve also said I’m HPV+ and I’m not sure if that’s a low or high grade type.

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

Same thing.

[@AvverieHaylee]

What about AEC? That was my abnormal result on my Pap smear. Currently 8 weeks pregnant too. Scared

[@perlagranados765]

Hello Dr. I had a ASCUS with a negative HPV test it's been about a year ago. At the time of my pap I was experiencing yeast infections. Sould I get a second pap?

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

That depends on whether you've had abnormal paps in the past as well as if you may have been exposed to HPV in the past year. It is unlikely, however, that the ASCUS was representative of dysplasia.

[@perlagranados765]

This is my first abnormal pap. And I have not been exposed to HPV in the past year.

[@evanique]

@@perlagranados765 hi I’m also experiencing yeast infections and I just got a liquid pap done that came back abnormal Ascus. Can you share with me your experience.

[@sidology1.0]

​@@evanique update?

[@evanique]

@@sidology1.0 sorry for the late reply. Long story short I don’t have it anymore my body cleared it says the doctors. I got pregnant shortly after founding out I had hpv high and low I was devastated. They told me to wait 6 months but seeing that I was pregnant there’s ntn to be done at the time until I gave birth, so I had my baby went in to get tested again after being cleared of my 6 weeks and it disappeared from my body.

[@analyntiu3576]

I got ascus pap, low grade colp ecc, but cin3 endocervical gland involvement in cone!

[@Pipp08]

Hi , how are you ? How did the colposcopy came out?

[@IDfk-oo2ww]

Did you have any symptoms?

[@shyofthemoon1175]

Why did they do the cone if you just had low grade on the colp? Just curious.

[@lima94]

In 2018 my pap results were ASCUS with hpv negative, now I had another pap last month and it came back ASCUS with positive HPV so that means I just got infected or it was since 2018?

[@faymoosa5064]

I had an abnormal pap test. My doctor prescribed estrogen tabs. Your view pls doc

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

Strange. Maybe if you're post-menopausal. Still wouldn't suggest it.

[@whatdoyousaycharityj2433]

If your “low grade abnormal” cells are now “atypical” cells does that mean it’s clearing on its own?

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

If you are referring to pap results then not necessarily, it could just as likely be getting worse.

[@gheorgheturcanu44]

Hi doc! Should i worry if i get an ASC-US & hpv16 positive ?

[@sidology1.0]

I had sex before my pap, could that have caused inflammation leading to ascus and hpv+? Yeast was also present. My biopsy is in a few days

[@sidology1.0]

Update: came back benign

[@andreavasquez5379]

Can you please help me what does positive hpv and other hr test mean?

[@Desireestewartx]

Could BV be linked to a test result coming back as ASCUS? My doctor says I have BV and ASCUS, didn’t say wether or not I was HPV positive, but to come back in 6 months for another test. Past Pap tests usually always come back with BV/yeast

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

Possibly, but an HPV test would assist in determining the likelihood of dysplasia.

[@Desireestewartx]

@@DrNickTargetsHPV thank you so much for the response!

[@damarisdenisse6210]

did you find out if it was??

[@Desireestewartx]

@@damarisdenisse6210 nope :( I live in Alberta, Canada, and I called my doctor to see if I could get a HPV test done. She said that they don’t test for HPV unless you are over the age of 45. So I have to wait the 6 months before I can get another Pap test to see if the same things are showing up :( kinda sucks because I have been really anxious about this.

[@tiffytoo]

How about after high grade and surgery and now it's non diagnostic?

[@Nikki-bk1wf]

I am binging all of your videos right now. In the future if you have time, could you pls make a video on how you contract HPV. Can the HPV wart type on your hands, turn into HPV detected on your pap? I know stupid question 🤦🏽‍♀️ I am assuming they’re different strands of the virus. Thank you!!

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

Actually that's a good question. Wart strains of HPV are low-risk and don't tend to cause cancer, but they can cause genital warts including warts on your cervix. Low-risk strains may cause some mild pap abnormalities also. However, most of the time when you have a pap, only high-risk strains are tested; so if you test HPV negative, that almost always means high-risk negative, so you could still have a low-risk infection.

[@Nikki-bk1wf]

@@DrNickTargetsHPV wow I can’t believe you answered! Thank you! So the only visible warts I have on my body are two on my hands. I’ve only ever had one partner. 😒. He has a wart on his hand. He is freaking out over my results, we been together 21yrs. He claims he hasn’t been with anyone else either. Here are my results, it looks like I tested positive for HPV. My Dr. is sending me to my OBGYN to get my abnormal cells frozen as well a day biopsy. But that is all she said. Here are the results, I can’t believe you answered. Thank you!! HPV mRNA E6/E7 Detected Category: EPITHELIAL CELL ABNORMALITY Results: Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASC-US)

[@alyygirl122]

Did you resolve it I gave ascus and hpv too

[@user-zk8ck3my3l]

What if its ascus neg hpv and next year lsil neg hpv? Could stress do this? Or normal body inflammation and it can go away on its own or this means there is an issue? Ive had hpv in past but all normal paps, now hpv is always negative but first abnormal paps and 2 in a row. They said just keep doing yearly paps but im so confused why and worry they need to check more or do more. Besides stress im healthy. No smoking and at this time-these two pap years not even sexually active.

[@jessicastone8132]

Hi Dr Nick. I went for a pap smear and the doctor said it showed atypical cells. She didn't mention anything about HPV. But she said I must come back in 6 months for another pap. What does this mean?

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

Probably because she didn't test for it. At it stands now, you may have dysplasia or you may not.

[@jessicastone8132]

Thank you for the reply!

[@lucyzamora2859]

Hi Doc, just got ASCUS result from my pap test. and the OB referred me directly to an Oncologist. I wonder if it is really necessary to proceed right away or I can have another pap smear after 2mos just to make sure? tnx!

[@kingslover777]

Hello Dr.. Can a benign ovarian cyst cause ASCUS?

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

No.

[@kingslover777]

@@DrNickTargetsHPV thank you Dr. Nick for your response.. Google misinforms.😑

[@XXORosie]

While pregnant I went into the OBGYN’s office with an active yeast infection and got a pap smear. The results were ASCUS and HPV+. Is it possible the abnormal cells were caused by either the pregnancy/yeast infection and HPV just happens to be present, or are abnormal cells almost always caused by HPV? I have a colposcopy-biopsy in June.

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

Yes it's possible.

[@damarisdenisse6210]

did you find out what it was???

[@brendaa1218]

I was also pregnant and this happened. But was hpv negative

[@cheyenejackson9627]

@@brendaa1218 it says on my results that pregnancy can cause a Ascus result.

[@sidology1.0]

We literally have the same thing going on except I'm not pregnant. I just got my yeast meds today

[@lucyzamora2859]

Hi Dock Nick, just got ASCUS result from my pap test , and my OB directly referred me to an Oncologist for a colposcopy. should it necessarily be done right away? i am thinking maybe I can have another test after 2months or so? pls advise. tnx!

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

That depends on the details.

[@viviencorp8316]

Youre amazing.

[@Mamapicky]

Hey doc what if you have cervical polyps could that give ascus?

[@lzshow]

Do you know any doctors who have success shrinking fibroids

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

Fibroids are challenging. I've treated them for over 20 years and in my opinion the best a person can hope for is to have them shrink a little or at least become asymptomatic (if symptomatic).

[@loyaltyangel1272]

I have have of a doctor if your still interested

[@lg3722]

Hey doktor. One year 7 month ago I take my first Pap test was ascus hpv 31and low risk 42-44. I did colposcopy is normal without biopsy.Doktor told me to do again 4 month later and return normal my pap colposcopy again normal and hpv again there.Doktor told me to another pap for one year I did now and I’m waiting for result.This changes from ascus to normal but hpv ekzis again is somthing geting worst or is that my immunity is good and fight.Thanky

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

No, it's a good sign that you haven't seemed to have developed dysplasia; it probably means that you are not likely to have problems with the virus. Hopefully, the HPV will clear. Keep working on immunity.

[@lg3722]

Thanks doktor Nick I’m working a lot with run, food, vitamins.From this thing I have a lot of anxiety. I have anxiety for the answer that will came maby this day. I will take the probiotic that you have on Vidio for my yest infection becuse its repeat all the time. I made seksualisht infection and I don’t have nothing just yest jnfection and I hope not having anymore hpv. Did this probiotic helps for yest infection becuse is somthing that I have different time of the year ?

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

@@lg3722 Yes, that is what I would start with.

[@Cutecutter10]

Hi Dr. Nick! What if you have ASCUS with HPV RNA, HR E6/E7 Detected? I had colposcopy, no unusual cells seen but doctor took random biopsy anyways (2 specimen). Everything came back negative. Is there a chance the abnormal cells were missed?

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

Sure. More likely is that there are no abnormal cells.

[@Cutecutter10]

@@DrNickTargetsHPV Thanks Dr. Nick! I'm going to get your book and follow your suggestions to try to reverse the E6/E7 transcription. Also, I just watched your video about suppositories. Would that possibly be a good option for me? Thanks for offering advice and alternatives to this confusing infection.

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

@@Cutecutter10 You're welcome! Yes, I've been getting good results clearing HPV with those suppositories that I indicated.

[@suiderling]

Hi Dr, I would like to have your opinion on if low grade abnormal cells, found in a pap, might be the cause for multiple pregnancy losses? And if it is possible to have a healthy pregnancy with a hpv infection?

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

Not likely and yes.

[@Jstwatching]

Hi Dr, what about HPV+ with ASCUS after colposcopy/biopsy?

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

What was the biopsy result?

[@nikkiflex4842]

@@DrNickTargetsHPV what if there’s low grade

[@gemk0058]

Hey Dr. Nick, Whats the possibility of an ASCUS/hpv+ pap to be CIN3 in a colposcopy?

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

It depends largely on previous paps and biopsies.

[@gemk0058]

Dr. Nick Targets HPV .... thanks for you response. The biopsy 6 months prior to the pap was normal, however, Chronic cervicitis was detected.

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

@@gemk0058 Then it's very unlikely that you have CIN2 or 3.

[@alyygirl122]

My last pap a year ago was normal now I have ascus and hpv so is it still unlikely to be CIN 3

[@kayleesmommma]

But what does it mean when it says ascus cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

Nothing or something--same as what I say in the video.

[@chelleholmes1012]

So does ascus means worse?

[@brittanygreene3347]

Hi.. my pap came back as ascus and positive for hr hpv.. Is there a chance it could be cin3 or cancer? Very worried. Never had a bad pap til now.

[@sidology1.0]

Update?

[@shalynnewhite8245]

What about agus?

[@zenbuddha5947]

Ascus with Cintec plus positive is it cancer?

[@drnickleroy]

It's just more likely to be severely dysplastic. You need a biopsy.

[@zenbuddha5947]

@@drnickleroy ohhh. I am so sorry. I don't want to have any surgery or biopsy, but I know, I should have something. My gynecologist suggested me to have leep. I don't want leep, I hope biopsy will be enough. I am so sorry, that I could not clear my HPV. I did everything, but it did not work.

[@DrNickTargetsHPV]

You probably do not have to do surgery. If the biopsy is abnormal, let me know and we can discuss options.

[@zenbuddha5947]

@@DrNickTargetsHPV Thank you!

[@ashleynave8132]

I have never been sexually active with multiple sex partners or never dated in despite of child sexual abuse as a child which was a high suspension. The past 3 years my pap smear was normal. This year of 2020 it was positive of HPV for the first time. I have had bad menstrual periods and heavier ones that flow out my tampons. Menometrragia is something I was diagnosed with many years earlier. Heavy, prolonged, and abnormal menstrual or uterine bleeding. My great grandmother on my Grandma Nave's side, bled to death going through perimenapause which is extremely rare.

[@arturojimenez7087]

Hello. My wife is 61 years old and had an AGC result on her pap test. She also had negative result for HPV, specifically genotypes 16 and 18. She is scheduled for a colposcopy. Needless to say, we are worried and don't even know how worried we should be. It is hard to gather information on line because it can be very fragmentary, sometimes inconsistent. It can also be frustrating coming accross medical terminology. We just want to have a grasp on what is going on.

[@lambycorn5253]

Hi Arturo, How did it go? Im in a similar situation here

[@Tabz_Doll]

I have ASCUS with no hpv detected … i’m worried because back in 2011 I had an abnormal pap and it said I had hpv… never followed up for a colonoscopy I was young and scared… But I went back like three or four years later and I’ve had normal paps ever since… so I don’t know what to think… if I take another pap test and it’s ASCUS again with no hpv detected should I be worried ? Also Do you think I would be a good candidate for the guardisil vaccine I’m 33 years old?