PAP PAP Cytology Interpretation and Reporting 2

Question 1

What is the recommended management for a patient with an ASCUS Pap result and a negative high-risk HPV co-test?

Accepted Answer

Return to routine screening intervals

Answer

When ASCUS is accompanied by a negative high-risk HPV test, the risk of significant disease is very low and routine screening intervals are resumed.

Question 2

What is the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic (N:C) ratio used to assess in cervical cytology interpretation?

Accepted Answer

The proportion of nuclear area to total cell area

Answer

The N:C ratio compares nuclear size to total cell size; an elevated ratio — larger nucleus relative to cytoplasm — is a key feature of dysplasia and malignancy.

Question 3

Which Bethesda System category applies to atypical glandular cells that may originate from the endocervix or endometrium?

Accepted Answer

AGC (Atypical Glandular Cells)

Answer

AGC (Atypical Glandular Cells) is used for glandular cells that are not clearly benign but do not meet diagnostic criteria for adenocarcinoma in situ or invasive adenocarcinoma.

Question 4

What is the primary clinical difference between ASC-US and ASC-H in the Bethesda System?

Accepted Answer

ASC-H cannot exclude HSIL, while ASC-US cannot exclude LSIL

Answer

ASC-H indicates atypical squamous cells where HSIL cannot be excluded, carrying substantially higher risk than ASC-US where only low-grade lesions are uncertain.

Question 5

In the Bethesda System, what does 'negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy' (NILM) mean?

Accepted Answer

No epithelial cell abnormality consistent with dysplasia or malignancy was identified

Answer

NILM is the Bethesda System terminology for a normal Pap result, indicating no cellular abnormalities consistent with dysplasia or malignancy were found.

PAP - Papanicolaou Test Practice Test

PAP - Papanicolaou Test Practice Test

PAP PAP Cytology Interpretation and Reporting 2