1. Home
  2. Health Topics
  3. Search Health Topics
  4. Atypical squamous cells (ASC) of the cervix

Atypical squamous cells (ASC) of the cervix

Top of the page

Atypical squamous cells (ASC) are abnormal cells found on a Pap test, but the reason for the abnormalities is not known. The causes of ASC include infection and inflammation.

ASC is further classified as:

  • ASC of undetermined significance (ASC-US).
  • ASC but cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) (ASC-H).

Is it an emergency?

If you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control now at 1-800-567-8911.

Thanks to our partners and endorsers:

Northern HealthBritish Columbia College of Family PhysiciansProvincial Health Services AuthorityVancouver Coastal HealthBritish Columbia Medical Association: Doctors of BCIsland HealthCollege of Pharmacists of British ColumbiaCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of British ColumbiaFraser Health AuthorityCollege of Dietitians of British ColumbiaInterior HealthCollege of Dental Surgeons of British ColumbiaBC Centre for Disease Control