Should endocervical cells be present in Pap smear?

Guidelines do not mention the presence or absence of endocervical cells. Guidelines are summarized in the Pap test learning module as follows: “The presence of squamous metaplastic cells and/or dysplastic cells and/or endocervical cells is generally regarded as evidence of adequate sampling of the transformation zone.

What is the meaning of endocervical cells?

The inner part of the cervix that forms a canal that connects the vagina to the uterus. The endocervix is lined with cells that make mucus. During a pelvic exam, cells may be scraped from the endocervix. The cells are checked under a microscope for infection, inflammation, and cancer or changes that may become cancer.

Are endocervical cells cancerous?

Cell types This is called the endocervix. The skin-like cells of the ectocervix can become cancerous, leading to a squamous cell cervical cancer. This is the most common type of cervical cancer. The glandular cells of the endocervix can also become cancerous, leading to an adenocarcinoma of the cervix.

What does endocervical and/or squamous metaplastic mean?

Clinical Features. Squamous metaplasia is the replacement of the mucinous endocervical epithelium by stratified squamous epithelium through a process of subcolumnar reserve cell proliferation and differentiation. Squamous metaplasia is a very common finding in women of reproductive age.

What does no endocervical component is identified mean?

Abstract. The presence of endocervical component (ECs) on cervical smears is considered essential for determining the adequacy of the Pap smear. The absence of an endocervical component in a negative smear suggests that a repeat Pap smear should be taken.

What does it mean when endometrial cells are present?

Normal endometrial cells found in the vaginal pool smears or endocervical aspirations of women who are postmenopausal or in their luteal phase may suggest endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. Without firm data, this association has been extended to normal endometrial cells found on Papanicolaou smears.

Where are endocervical cells located?

A pathologist then examines a Pap smear under a microscope, looking for two types of cervical cells: squamous cells, which are typically found in the outer surface of the cervix, and columnar endocervical cells, which come from the lining of the narrow opening in the cervix leading to the inside of the uterus (the …

What is the difference between cervical and endocervical?

The cervix is made of two parts and is covered with two different types of cells. The endocervix is the opening of the cervix that leads into the uterus. It is covered with glandular cells. The exocervix (or ectocervix) is the outer part of the cervix that can be seen by the doctor during a speculum exam.

What is the difference between endocervical and cervical?

What does satisfactory for evaluation mean on a Pap smear?

“SATISFACTORY FOR EVALUATION” indicates that the specimen has all of the following: Appropriate labeling and identifying information. Relevant clinical information. Adequate number of well-preserved and well-visualized squamous epithelial cells.

Should I worry about endometrial cells on Pap smear?

Unless endometrial cells are atypical or cancerous, their presence on a Pap smear does not necessitate further testing. Clinicians should tell patients with normal endometrial cells on their Pap smears that this is a normal finding.

What do you do if you get endometrial cells on a Pap?

The most common follow-up is a repeat Pap test and HPV testing. Your doctor may also perform an in-office procedure called a colposcopy to help make a more precise diagnosis. If there’s concern about abnormal glandular cells or endometrial cells, your doctor may recommend an endometrial biopsy.