Normal results
Normal or negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy. This means that the cells that were examined on your Pap test appear normal and do not show precancerous changes.
Abnormal results
A typical Squamous Cells or ASC. This means that there are cells in your Pap test that appear unusual but are not abnormal. These mild changes can be caused by infection or changes in a woman's hormones. Your healthcare provider will usually suggest treating an infection if you are found to have one, repeating a Pap smear in six months or follow-up with colposcopy.
CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) and SIL (squamous intraepithelial lesion) mean the same thing and both refer to pre-cancerous changes of the cervix. CIN1 and Low-grade SIL are less severe changes that often will not need treatment. Low-grade SIL or mild change is also often seen when there is infection of the cervix with the Human Papillomavirus or HPV. CIN2 or 3 and High-grade SIL are more severe changes in the cervix that are more likely to progress to cancer and will usually require treatment. The good news is that HSILs (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions) such as CIN2 or 3 can be completely treated with simple procedures that can often be carried out right in your doctor's office or clinic.
Atypical Glandular Cells or AGC. This means that a type of cell present in the cervix, uterus, Fallopian tube, ovary or breast is present in the Pap smear and shows changes that may be the result of the pre-cancerous or cancerous change. This result will usually prompt your doctor to suggest prompt follow-up with a colposcopy.
Cancer or carcinoma. This means that there are abnormal cells on your Pap test that may have come from a cancer or a severe pre-cancerous lesion on the cervix. This result should always be followed up with an immediate colposcopy.