LSIL on Pap smear corresponds to which cytologic finding?

LSIL on Pap smear corresponds to which cytologic finding?

• A. Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
• B. High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
• C. Normal cytology
• D. Adenocarcinoma in situ

Answer: (A)

LSIL on a Pap smear reflects HPV-associated, mild squamous changes. Cytologically, this is seen as koilocytotic atypia: squamous cells with enlarged, hyperchromatic nuclei, irregular nuclear membranes, and a perinuclear clearing halo, often with preserved maturation overall. These features define a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, typically CIN 1. Higher-grade lesions show more pronounced atypia and disordered maturation; normal cytology lacks atypia; adenocarcinoma in situ involves glandular, not squamous, cells. So the finding best described is a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.

LSIL on a Pap smear reflects HPV-associated, mild squamous changes. Cytologically, this is seen as koilocytotic atypia: squamous cells with enlarged, hyperchromatic nuclei, irregular nuclear membranes, and a perinuclear clearing halo, often with preserved maturation overall. These features define a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, typically CIN 1. Higher-grade lesions show more pronounced atypia and disordered maturation; normal cytology lacks atypia; adenocarcinoma in situ involves glandular, not squamous, cells. So the finding best described is a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.