Should I worry about atypical glandular cells?

Atypical glandular cells (AGC) diagnosis should be immediately followed up with a clinician. There is risk of premalignant lesions in patients diagnosed with AGC is as high as 11%, the risk of endometrial cancer is 3%, and the risk of cervical cancer is 1%. AGC is found in <1% of cervical cytology specimens.

What does atypical glandular cells mean on a Pap smear?

Atypical glandular cells (AGC) – Glandular cells make up a thin layer that covers the inner cervix canal and are present in the uterus. This means changes found in glandular cells could be precancer or cancer.

How common is atypical glandular cells?

Atypical glandular cells (AGC) are uncommon, occurring in approximately 3 per 1000 specimens, but are a significant cervical cytology finding. Several retrospective studies have reported a 2-5% prevalence of invasive malignancy in women with AGC.

Is AGC always cancer?

AGC or AIS in cytology indicates the presence of endometrial neoplasia in post-menopausal women. In women younger than 50 years of age, AGC and AIS findings indicate pre-cancerous abnormalities or invasive adenocarcinoma of the cervix.

How do you treat atypical glandular cells?

When a precancerous or cancerous condition is found in atypical glandular cells, the doctor may remove the affected tissue via laser surgery if it has not already been removed through cold knife conization at the time of biopsy.

Can a yeast infection cause atypical glandular cells?

Other types of infection—such as those caused by bacteria, yeast, or protozoa (Trichomonas)—sometimes lead to minor changes on a Pap test called atypical squamous cells. Natural cell changes that may happen during and after menopause can also cause an abnormal Pap test.

Do Smear tests pick up STDs?

No. Pap tests, also known as Pap smears, look for any cell changes in your cervix, which could lead to cervical cancer. Cell changes are often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is an STD. But Pap tests only test for the cell changes, not whether or not you have HPV.