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NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

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atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance  listen  (AY-TIH-pih-kul SKWAY-mus sels … UN-deh-TER-mind sig-NIH-fih-kunts)

  Abnormal cells from the outer walls of the cervix (the lower, narrow end of the uterus). Abnormal squamous cells (thin, flat cells that look like fish scales) are found in a low number of Pap smears (a procedure used to detect cervical cancer) and may indicate infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) or another infectious agent. The risk of developing cervical cancer is very low for patients with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance without HPV infection. Also called ASCUS.