What does PAP IG HPV mean?

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 is the difference between HPV and Pap?

The HPV test checks cells for infection with high-risk HPV types. The Pap test (also called a Pap smear or cervical cytology) collects cervical cells and looks at them for changes caused by HPV that may—if left untreated—turn into cervical cancer.

What does HPV if Ascus mean?

A finding of abnormal cells in the tissue that lines the outer part of the cervix. ASCUS is the most common abnormal finding in a Pap test. It may be a sign of infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) or other types of infection, such as a yeast infection.

What does HPV regardless of results mean?

This means: you do not have HPV. your cervical cells are normal. you have a very low chance of getting cervical cancer in the next few years.

Is Ascus Pap bad?

ASCUS paps are considered slightly abnormal results. According to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, normal, noncancerous cervical cells are present in about 75% of women with ASCUS results. In some cases, receiving an ASCUS pap can result from a poor sample.

How long can HPV stay dormant?

HPV can lay dormant for many years after a person contracts the virus, even if symptoms never occur. Most cases of HPV clear within 1 to 2 years as the immune system fights off and eliminates the virus from the body.

Is HPV always tested with pap?

An HPV test is usually done at the same time as a Pap test — a test that collects cells from your cervix to check for abnormalities or the presence of cancer. An HPV test can be done using the same sample from the Pap test or by collecting a second sample from the cervical canal.

Is ASCUS precancerous?

ASCUS is a very common Pap test abnormality and often means that there is no actual disease. However, ASCUS Pap results could be an early warning of a pre-cancer change (dysplasia) or cervical cancer, and should always be followed up.

How do you know when HPV is cleared?

Most strains of HPV go away permanently without treatment. Because of this, it isn’t uncommon to contract and clear the virus completely without ever knowing that you had it. HPV doesn’t always cause symptoms, so the only way to be sure of your status is through regular testing. HPV screening for men isn’t available.

How do I read my HPV test results?

Results from your HPV test will come back as either positive or negative.

Positive HPV test. A positive test result means that you have a type of high-risk HPV that’s linked to cervical cancer.
Negative HPV test. A negative test result means that you don’t have any of the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.