Abnormal Pap Smear: What an LSIL Result Might Mean for You

“Abnormal” is a scary word — and getting an “abnormal” Pap test result can stop you in your tracks. Then you see the even scarier-looking words: “low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL).” You wonder, “What exactly is going on down there??”

Take a deep breath, and stop imagining worst-case scenarios. These test results may be nothing out of the ordinary, according to gynecologic oncologist Mariam AlHilli, MD.

Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL): little cause for concern

The tissue that covers your cervix is made up of squamous cells. Those cells are collected during a Pap smear and examined under a microscope. LSIL is a way of categorizing mildly abnormal cervical cells.

“A Pap smear is a screening test, “says Dr. AlHilli. “It gives us the big picture about what’s going on with your cervix. It does NOT indicate that cancer is present. But it may tell us there is enough evidence to justify taking another look at those cells.” LSIL falls on the lower end of the abnormality spectrum, which means there is less cause for concern. The overall risk of cancer in patients with LSIL is less than one percent.

HPV and age are factors in what the LSIL result means for you

Here’s where you can let out that breath you’ve been holding. Dr. AlHilli explains:

• You probably won’t need treatment: A low-grade abnormality such as LSIL suggests that if we biopsied the cervix, there would only be a few abnormal cells. They would likely go away without treatment.
• It’s not permanent: The cell change that shows up as LSIL is usually reversible.
• You don’t have a higher cancer risk: An LSIL result doesn’t increase the risk that you’ll end up with a precancerous condition or cancer.

Your age and whether the human papillomavirus (HPV) is present are factors in deciding what to do with that pesky LSIL test result.

Age

Current guidelines recommend women start Pap tests at age 21, even though women younger than age 25 have a low risk of having precancerous cells. Screening young women is important since they tend to be more sexually active, which exposes them to HPV.

HPV

How are LSIL and HPV connected? All cervical cell abnormalities are caused by HPV, which is common in young women because HPV is sexually transmitted. The good news is that the body sees HPV as an intruder and tries to fight it off.

If your immune system effectively kicks HPV to the curb, an LSIL result can be here one year, gone the next. Good riddance, HPV.

So what happens after the LSIL finding?

Any abnormal Pap result requires immediate follow up with your gynecologist. If you’re between ages 21 and 24, your doctor will likely recommend a repeat Pap smear in one year to see if your immune system effectively fought off the HPV.

“If you’re over age 25 and test positive for HPV, we’ll likely use a minor procedure to get a magnified view of your cervix,” says Dr. AlHilli. “If needed, we may collect a small sample of cervical cells for biopsy.”

These tests help your doctor see if there are any precancerous cells. Then your doctor determines if you need additional treatments, such as a procedure to remove the abnormal tissue.

Cervical cancer is preventable, even after an LSIL Pap result

“We can prevent cervical cancer,” says Dr. AlHilli. “The HPV vaccination has been proven effective at preventing the HPV infections that cause cancer. All women up to age 26 should get the vaccine. And new recommendations will make it possible for women up to age 45 to be vaccinated.”

You can take these steps to decrease the likelihood of HPV damage:

• Bolster the immune system with a multivitamin (talk to your doctor to find out which one is best for you)
• Quit smoking
• Practice safe sexual intercourse

And remember, LSIL or not, you should schedule a pelvic exam at least every other year and a Pap smear every three to five years. So get out your calendar and see if it’s time to visit your friendly neighborhood gynecologist.