title: Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance : A Follow up Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) is the term in cervical cytology reporting where the changes are suggestive of a sqamous extraepithelial lesion but lack criteria for definition interpretation. Its clinical significance is variable.
  
  
  METHODS
  A one year study in a zonal hospital evaluating all cervical smears received for cytology by two pathologists independently and subsequently reported as per the Bethesda guidelines. The patients were folloed up for six months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 24 (4%) smears were reported as ASCUS out of 604 examined. Of these, 15 were followed up for one year. Mean age was 39 years and 60% were premenopausal. After six months, 11 cases were reported negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy and four showed ASCUS on repeat pap smear.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ASCUS shows a repression rate of 73%. Colpscopic evaluation should be done only if ASCUS persists. Diligent follow up and biopsy, when indicated is a must.
authors.affiliation: Classified Specialist (Pathology), Eastern Command Transfusion Centre, Kolkata.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tewari
authors.affiliation: Senior Advisor (Pathology), MH Ambala Cantt.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chaudhary
keywords: Atypical squamous cells; Pap smear; Squamous intraepithelial lesion