The Papanicolau scale is still used by some doctors to report the cytology results. On their basis, it is possible to assess the condition of the cervix and detect neoplastic changes at an early stage of development. Find out how to interpret Papanicolaou's Pap test results.
The Papanicolau Scaleis a scale that is still used to reportcytology results , which is a cervical smear. It is worth knowing, however, that in the world the Papanicolau classification is currently considered insufficient in transmitting clinically relevant information between a cytologist and a gynecologist.
This is because it does not reflect contemporary views on cervical cancer, and does not take into account the numerous non-cancerous changes in this organ. Therefore, in place of the Papanicolau classification, the US National Cancer Institute in Bethesda has proposed what it calls the Bethesda System. However, in Poland you can still getPapanicolaouPap test results, so it's worth knowing how to interpret them.
Cytology - Papanicolau results
- 1. group- only normal squamous and glandular epithelial cells are present in the smear. When you get this result, do the next cytology in 2-3 years.
- 2. the groupis the most common, especially in women who have sex lives. Such a smear is considered & unsuspected &. In addition to the cells present in group I, there are also inflammatory cells. However, there are no abnormal cells characteristic of the precancerous state. Women with erosion often have this result. You must heal the erosion and repeat the cytology. If your doctor suspects inflammation, he or she will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and a post-treatment gynecological check-up. Repeat the cytology in 1-2 years.
If you are in group I-II, it is enough to repeat the test every 2-3 years (unless your doctor recommends it more often). It is also necessary, e.g. after treatment of erosions
- 3. group- this is a result classified as "suspects". The smear shows abnormal cells (so-called dysplastic cells, which can become cancerous). The cytologist determines the degree of dysplasia as: low, medium or high. Thisimportant, among others because small-grade lesions are sometimes the result of a strong inflammatory reaction and may regress after treatment. With moderate or severe dysplasia, the doctor usually orders additional tests, e.g. colposcopy (viewing the cervix through a special instrument) or biopsy (taking cervical specimens for histopathological examination under a microscope).
- 4. groupinforms about the presence of the so-called atypical cells. They may indicate the existence of pre-invasive cancer, i.e. cancer whose cells are present only in the epithelium. This cancer is detected early in 100%. curable.
- 5. the groupindicates the detection of malignant changes (it is the so-called invasive cancer). If the atypical cells are not numerous and you decide to treat them quickly, your chances of saving your life are good.