Disappear without treatment, so follow-up Pap tests would be
Be precancerous and begin to develop into moderate to
severe cell changes that eventually may become cancer. Follow-up Pap tests or
colposcopy can detect cell changes.
Moderate to severe cell changes
Moderate to severe
cervical cell changes (also called moderate to severe dysplasia) mean cell
changes that are more likely to be precancerous and develop into cervical
cancer if left untreated. Moderate to severe cervical cell changes are
classified in the Bethesda system (TBS) as high-grade squamous intraepithelial
lesions (HSIL) or atypical glandular cells (AGC). Follow-up evaluation and
treatment is needed.
All abnormal Pap tests require follow-up to identify
development of more severe cell changes, including
cervical cancer. Most abnormal cells can be removed or
destroyed before they become cancerous.