How to read the results of TCT examination

TCT examination is currently the most advanced cervical cancer cell examination technology in the world. Compared with the traditional cervical scraping Papanicolaou acid-fast staining examination, it has significantly improved the satisfaction rate of specimen collection and the diagnosis rate of abnormal cervical cells. Many women become very anxious when they find that the TCT test results are abnormal, thinking that they have cervical cancer. But in fact, abnormal TCT results do not necessarily mean cervical cancer. How to judge the TCT test results?

TCT test results are not the final diagnosis

There are three steps to diagnose cervical cancer, namely cytology, colposcopy and histology. Cytology is the original examination. If the cytology result is abnormal, colposcopy is required. If there are still abnormalities, pathological histology examination is required to reach a final conclusion. Therefore, it is unreasonable to judge that you have cervical cancer based solely on abnormal TCT results.

In addition, TCT has a certain false negative rate. For women over 30 who meet the criteria, it is recommended to combine HPV and TCT tests at the same time to reduce the probability of false negatives.

TCT test results explanation

(1) Everything is normal: This indicates that there are no abnormalities in the scraped somatic cells.

(2) Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US, or atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance): This result indicates uncertainty as to whether these cells are abnormal. There are two options for this situation: return for a follow-up visit after 3-6 months; or immediately test for HPV. If the HPV result is negative, observe again. If the result is positive, colposcopy and cervical puncture biopsy are recommended.

(3) ASC-H (atypical squamous cell-type epithelial high aspect ratio lesions): Although the actual significance cannot be established, there is a tendency for lesions. This condition generally requires colposcopy and puncture biopsy.

(4) LSIL (mild squamous intraepithelial neoplasia): indicates the presence of abnormal somatic cells and requires further colposcopy and puncture biopsy.

(5) HSIL (high aspect ratio squamous intraepithelial neoplasia): It is one level higher than LSIL and has a bad prognosis. It is recommended to have a follow-up examination and colposcopy biopsy as soon as possible.

(6) Atypical glandular cells: Further examination is generally required to understand where these undesirable glandular cells come from, which may require ultrasound, hysteroscopy, and curettage to further confirm.

(7) Squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma: These results require immediate medical attention.