HPV results glossary: what do the terms on your report mean?
You may have seen abbreviations such as ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL, CIN or LEEP on your Pap smear or HPV report and felt worried. This glossary explains each one in plain, patient-friendly language. The key point: no abbreviation is a diagnosis on its own. Your doctor interprets each one together with your HPV type, your age and your previous results.
A Pap smear or HPV report can look frightening at first glance because it is full of abbreviations. This page explains those abbreviations one by one in plain, patient-friendly language. Our aim is to put your mind at ease and help you talk with your doctor more comfortably.
What is this glossary for?
Whenever you wonder about a term on your report, you can look it up here. But let us say this up front:
No abbreviation is, on its own, a diagnosis or a treatment decision. Every result is assessed together with your HPV type, your age, your previous tests and, when needed, a biopsy. This glossary makes the terms easier to understand, but it does not replace your doctor's assessment.
Test and method terms
| Abbreviation | Full term | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| HPV-DNA | Human papillomavirus DNA test | A test that looks for the genetic material of HPV. |
| hrHPV | High-risk HPV | A high-risk type of HPV. |
| lrHPV | Low-risk HPV | A low-risk type of HPV. |
| Pap / smear | Papanicolaou smear | A screening test of the cells of the cervix. |
| Co-test | HPV + Pap smear | The two tests assessed together. |
| Genotyping | HPV typing | Identifying which type of HPV is present (especially 16/18). |
Pap smear (cytology) result terms
| Abbreviation | Full term | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| NILM | Negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy | No precancerous cells found (normal). |
| ASC-US | Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance | Borderline atypical cells of uncertain significance — usually follow-up. |
| ASC-H | Atypical Squamous Cells, cannot exclude HSIL | A high-grade lesion cannot be ruled out — closer assessment. |
| LSIL | Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion | A low-grade cell change; often goes away. |
| HSIL | High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion | A high-grade change — usually colposcopy. |
| AGC | Atypical Glandular Cells | Atypical glandular (mucus-producing) cells. |
| AIS | Adenocarcinoma in situ | An advanced precancerous lesion arising from glandular cells. |
Tissue / biopsy terms (CIN)
CIN describes the grade of change seen on a biopsy taken during colposcopy:
| Term | Full term | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| CIN 1 | Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia grade 1 | A mild cell change; often goes away. |
| CIN 2 | Grade 2 | A moderate change. |
| CIN 3 | Grade 3 | A high-grade change. |
Note: CIN changes are not cancer; CIN grades precancerous cell changes.
Procedure terms (colposcopy, LEEP…)
| Term | Full term | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Colposcopy | Colposcopy | A close-up examination of the cervix with a magnifying instrument. |
| LEEP | Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure | Removal of a small piece of tissue with an electrical wire loop. |
| Conization | Cone biopsy | Removal of a cone-shaped piece of tissue. |
| ECC | Endocervical Curettage | Taking a sample from the cervical canal. |
How should I interpret my result?
Learning what a term means is the first step; but the real interpretation comes from assessing all of your results together. For a calm, step-by-step answer to "What should I do now?", see our article I tested positive for HPV. What should I do?
When should you see a doctor?
If your report contains a term you cannot make sense of, or an abnormal result:
- see your doctor to have the result assessed as a whole (especially if it includes terms such as ASC-H, HSIL, AGC or AIS),
- do not miss your recommended colposcopy or repeat test,
- get assessed if you have symptoms such as bleeding after sex or unusual discharge.
Even if an abbreviation looks frightening, it often describes a process that can be managed. The glossary gives you information; you make the decision together with your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What does ASC-US mean?
ASC-US stands for 'atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance'. It means a mild, borderline change was seen in the cells on the Pap smear, but no clear lesion. It is usually assessed together with an HPV test, and follow-up is often recommended.
Is LSIL dangerous?
LSIL means a low-grade cell change, and it often goes away on its own. It is not a dangerous diagnosis, but it does need follow-up. Your doctor decides how to proceed based on your age and your HPV result.
Does HSIL mean cancer?
No. HSIL means a high-grade cell change. It is not cancer, but it calls for a closer assessment (usually a colposcopy). When it is found early, it can be managed.
What does CIN 2 mean?
CIN 2 is a moderate-grade change in the cells of the cervix seen on a biopsy. It is not cancer; your doctor decides between follow-up and treatment based on your age and your situation.
What is LEEP?
LEEP is a procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the cervix with a thin electrical wire loop. It may be used for certain cell changes; your doctor decides whether it is needed.
Is NILM good news?
Yes. NILM means no precancerous cells were found on the Pap smear (normal). You still continue with the recommended screening schedule.
What is the difference between ASC-US and LSIL?
ASC-US describes a borderline, uncertain change, while LSIL describes a clear but low-grade cell change. Both usually call for follow-up and often go away; the approach is decided based on your HPV result and your age.
Sources
- ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) — terms for abnormal cervical screening results.
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) — cytology and histology terms (LSIL, HSIL, CIN).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — HPV and cervical screening.
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health — cervical cancer screening program.
Note: This content was written independently, based on current scientific information published by the institutions above; it is not a direct copy of any text.
This article is for general information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation and does not replace a medical examination. Please consult your doctor about your own situation. The content reflects scientific knowledge as of the update date above.