What does endometrial cells in a Pap smear mean?
Normal endometrial cells on Pap tests have been associated with variable benign and malignant diseases including endometrial polyps, endometrial hyperplasia with and without atypia, endometrial carcinoma, leiomyoma, atrophy, proliferative endometrium, and intrauterine device use.
Are there endometrial cells in the cervix?
Endometriosis causes cells similar to the uterine lining to grow outside of the uterus. These cells most commonly grow on the pelvic side walls, the ovaries, or the fallopian tubes. Endometriosis of the cervix is rare. Many people do not realize that they have cervical endometriosis.
What is an endometrial cell?
Endometrial cells form an inner layer of the uterine lining (endometrium) and participate in the functions of the uterus. The number of cell layers depends on the woman’s current cycle of the menstrual cycle.
How do you treat precancerous cells in the cervix?
Treatments for precancerous lesions include excision (surgical removal of the abnormal area, also referred to as a cone biopsy or conization, or loop electrosurgical excision procedure [LEEP]), cryosurgery (freezing), and laser (high-energy light). (See “Patient education: Colposcopy (Beyond the Basics)”.)
What does it mean if I have precancerous cells in my cervix?
Precancerous conditions of the cervix are changes to cervical cells that make them more likely to develop into cancer. These conditions are not yet cancer. But if they aren’t treated, there is a chance that these abnormal changes may become cervical cancer.
What happens if they find precancerous cells in your cervix?
What is the treatment for abnormal cells in the cervix?
The most common way to remove abnormal cells is using a procedure called large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ). LLETZ is often done at the same time as your colposcopy. You will not need to stay in hospital and can go home the same day.
Should I be worried about abnormal cervical cells?
It is also natural to be concerned as to the severity of the cervical changes and what implications this may have on your health. However, an abnormal smear test result does not mean you have cancer. It simply means that there are changes to the cells which could potentially cause cancer in the future.
How do you treat abnormal cells in the cervix?
Are abnormal cells in cervix common?
Most of the abnormal cells found during a Pap test are the result of a cervical or vaginal infection and are not cancerous. Abnormal Pap tests are very common. In fact, of the 3 million women with abnormal Pap tests each year, less than 1% (13,240 cases) will be diagnosed with cervical cancer.