LGSIL Pap Smear Result

What Does a LGSIL Pap Smear Result Mean?

Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, commonly known as LGSIL or LSIL, is a medical term given to a level of cervical dysplasia and is detected through a routine Pap smear.

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An LGSIL Pap smear result means that mild cervical dysplasia, more than likely caused by HPV, has been detected. It is the most common classification of cervical dysplasia, and in most cases, clears up on its own within two years.

How are LGSIL Pap Smears Managed?

If Pap smear results come back as LGSIL, a colposcopy exam is then done to confirm the Pap smear results. A colposcopy exam allows the doctor to view the cervix more closely with the help of a colposcope. A colposcope is a lighted instrument that magnifies the cervix. It rests outside of the vagina during the exam.

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During a colposcopy, if cervical abnormalities are found, the doctor may biopsy the cervix. When a doctor does a cervical biopsy, he removes microscopic bits of cervical tissue with a special instrument. Mild cramping may occur during a cervical biopsy; however, it is relatively painless. Results are generally available within two weeks.

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How is LGSIL Treated?

One of the most common approaches to treating low grade cervical dysplasia is to "watch and wait." Because low grade dysplasia usually resolves itself, no medical treatment may be needed. Colposcopy exams and cervical biopsies may be done regularly to monitor the dysplasia. If it progresses or is persistent, treatment may be necessary. Treatment to remove abnormal cervical tissue includes:

• Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): During a LEEP procedure, an electric current is sent through a wire loop. The wire loop acts as knife, removing abnormal cervical tissue.
  
  
• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is a technique used to destroy abnormal tissue by freezing it. It is also called crysosurgery.
  
  
• Conization: Also called a cone biopsy, conization removes a larger, cone-shaped sample of abnormal tissue.
  
  
• Laser Therapy: During laser therapy, a tiny beam of light is used to destroy abnormal cells.

_Sources:

"Cervical Cancer (PDQ®): Treatment." General Information About Cervical Cancer. 19 APR 2006. National Cancer Institute. 31 March 2008.
http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/treatment/cervical/patient/

"National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet." Lasers in Cancer Treatment: Questions and Answers. 10 AUG 2004. National Cancer Institute. 31 March 2008.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/lasers

"National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet." The Pap Test: Questions and Answers. 12 FEB 2003. National Cancer Institute. 31 March 2008.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/Pap-test/print?page=&keyword=

"Tutorials." Colposcopy. 10 July 2004. National Library of Medicine. 31 March 2008.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/colposcopy/htm/index.htm