What are reactive cellular changes on a Pap smear?
Specimens from some women may also show “reactive cellular changes”, which is the way cervical cells appear when infection or other inflammation is around.
What does satisfactory for evaluation endocervical transformation zone component present mean?
Endocervical cells present. This phrase means that cells from the inside of your cervical canal were sampled at the time of the pap test, which is something your doctor tries to do.
What does it mean when no endocervical component present?
Abstract. The presence of endocervical component (ECs) on cervical smears is considered essential for determining the adequacy of the Pap smear. The absence of an endocervical component in a negative smear suggests that a repeat Pap smear should be taken.
What is presence of endocervical transformation zone component?
Historically, the presence of an endocervical/transformation (EC/TZ) component was considered a measurement of quality of the Pap test, implying that the transformation zone was adequately sampled, which indirectly represents the competence of the individual performing the Pap test, or the individual (cytotechnologist …
What does a Pap smear detect?
The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes.
What does reactive cells mean?
Cells that look abnormal when examined under the microscope. Reactive cells look abnormal. They are called reactive because their abnormal look is caused by something close to the cells. Put another way, the cells are reacting to something around them. Reactive cells are not cancer cells.
What does it mean when endometrial cells are present?
The presence of benign endometrial cells (BECs) on cytologic analysis has been linked to significant endometrial disease in women older than 50 years who are noted as postmenopausal and may have clinical symptoms such as postmenopausal bleeding.
What does negative Pap smear results mean?
A normal (or “negative”) result means that no cell changes were found on your cervix. This is good news. But you still need to get Pap tests in the future. New cell changes can still form on your cervix. Your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years for your next screening test if you received a Pap test only.
Do you need a smear test if you are a virgin?
Do you need to go for a smear test if you’re a virgin? The HPV virus is a sexually transmitted disease. So, according to the NHS, if you’ve never been sexually active then you can decide not to have the cervical screening test.