Abnormal cervical cells Abnormal cervical cells are cells in the lining of the cervix that have changed in appearance. The more severe the cervical abnormality, the more likely it is that cervical cancer could develop in the future.
ASCUS ASCUS stands for “atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance.” A diagnosis of ASCUS means that the abnormalities seen in cervical cells are mild and their nature is uncertain.
Benign Benign is a term to describe something that will not cause cancer.
Biopsy A biopsy involves the removal of tissue for medical evaluation.
Cervical cancer Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. Cervical cancer is a serious condition that can be life threatening.
Cervical precancers Cervical precancers are abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix that could become cervical cancer if not detected early and treated.
Cervix The cervix is the part of the uterus that connects the upper part of the uterus (the womb) and the vagina.
Chemotherapy Chemotherapy involves the use of anticancer drugs that are injected into a vein or given by mouth. These drugs kill cancer cells but also may damage some normal cells, which can lead to side effects.
CIN CIN stands for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. This term is used to report an abnormal biopsy result.
Cryosurgery Cryosurgery is a technique that involves the freezing of tissue.
Genital HPV (Human Papillomavirus) About 30 types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are known as genital HPV because they affect the genital area.
Genital warts Genital warts are white or flesh-colored growths that are caused by certain “low-risk” types of HPV (such as HPV Types 6 and 11).
Gynecological exam The gynecological exam is an examination of a woman by a healthcare professional. During this routine exam, the healthcare professional performs a Pap test to check for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix.
HSIL HSIL stands for “high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion ”and means there are severely abnormal cervical cells that have a high likelihood of progressing to cervical cancer.
Intraepithelial Intraepithelial refers to the layer of cells that forms the surface of the cervix.
LEEP LEEP, or “loop electrosurgical excision procedure,” is a common procedure used to treat abnormal cervical cells.
LSIL LSIL stands for “low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion” and means that there are more definite but still mildly abnormal cervical cells.
Neoplasia Neoplasia means an abnormal growth of cells.
Pap test A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, is part of the gynecological exam and helps detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have a chance to become precancers or cervical cancer.
Radiation therapy Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells.
Squamous cells Squamous cells are thin, flat cells that form the lining of the cervix.
Vagina The vagina is a 3- to 4-inch tube. Its upper part ends at the cervix, and the lower part opens to the outside onto the vulva, the external female genitals.
Vulva The vulva is the outer part of the female genitals.
