LCGirl

Hi there,

If they used the term atypical, they may have meant ASCUS-Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance. This could be just due to irritation or inflamation. This result is the lowest level of an abnormal PAP. Usually they will wait 3-4 months and do a repeat PAP. Perhaps because your friend tested positive for high risk HPV they want to do the colposcopy instead of waiting. This is just taking a look at the cervix with a high powered microscope and then they may do a biopsy. The biopsy will be able to tell what your friend has, whereas the PAP only tells that there is something unusual going on. My doctor told me that up to 80% of people with this type of result clear up on their own within a year. Your friend should not panic. Even if she has low-grade (or even high grade) dysplasia, she is still far from cancer as these cellular changes take years to turn to cancer. That's why it is so important to have regular exams to catch these things early. Even the highest grades of dysplasia and even cervical cancer itself is very treatable.

Also, when one's immune system is down HPV is more likely to become active, which causes the cellular changes. If your friend smokes, she should quit. She may also want to look into a vitamin regimen and eating a healthy diet if she isn't already.

Hope this helps!

~LCG