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The Mysteries of Cervical Screening: Why You Should Know the Key to the Bethesda System?
Every year, thousands of women receive Pap smears to ensure their health. In this process, the Bethesda System (TBS) plays a crucial role as a standardized system for reporting cervical or vaginal cell lesions. This system not only provides clear reporting standards for medical professionals, but also helps patients better understand their test results.
"Since its first launch in 1988, the Bethesda system has undergone several revisions and has become an important tool in current obstetrics and gynecology."
History and development of Bethesda system
The Bethesda system takes its name from Bethesda, Maryland, the site of a conference sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. The system was first introduced in 1988 and subsequently revised several times in 1991, 2001 and 2014, each revision designed to better reflect changes and advances in medical practice. In addition to cervical cytology reporting, the system also launched a reporting system for thyroid nodule cytopathology, called the Bethesda System's Thyroid Cytopathology Reporting (TBSRTC).
Understand Pap smear test results
Possible abnormal results following a Pap smear include a variety of cellular lesions, such as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), and high-grade squamous cell lesions. like intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), etc. Interpretation of these results and follow-up examinations are critical because they can indicate different health risks.
"Further examination can help determine whether treatment is needed to prevent further progression of the disease."
Common cervical cell abnormalities
Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL)
LSIL refers to mild cervical abnormalities, often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. In most cases, the lesion resolves on its own within two years. Therefore, many doctors will choose to adopt a wait-and-see strategy and regularly monitor LSIL results. However, because there is a 12% to 16% risk of progression, regular follow-up examinations and biological biopsies when necessary are very important.
High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL)
Unlike LSIL, HSIL refers to moderate to severe cervical abnormalities that may evolve into invasive cervical cancer. According to the report, although less than 2% of HSIL patients are diagnosed with invasive cancer at the time of examination, there is a 20% chance of progressing to cancer without treatment. Therefore, for patients with HSIL, doctors usually recommend immediate colposcopy to further detect and treat the lesions.
Abnormal gland cells
In some cervical exams, nonspecific atypical glandular cells (AGC) may be found. Management of such abnormal cells usually requires further testing, including colposcopy and possible endometrial biopsy. Detection of AGC is critical for early detection of potential adenocarcinoma.
"Early detection and appropriate management are critical to preventing and treating cervical abnormalities."
Conclusion
Understanding the Bethesda system and how it reports is critical to every woman's health. By having a clear understanding of their test results, women can better participate in managing their health. Faced with such complex medical information, are you willing to take the initiative to understand and care about your health status?
