High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL)

When a Pap smear is done, a doctor examines the Pap smear (Pap test) under a microscope and categorizes his/her findings into one of several categories. One of the categories is called High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion, HSIL for short. HSIL means that the doctor examining the Pap smear has found abnormal cells. HSIL under the microscope is associated with the following cellular abnormalities: supercrowding of the cells; dark nucleus (hyperchromasia); the nucleus is very large relative to the cytoplasm; and the nucleus has an irregular border.

A finding of HSIL is usually followed-up by immediate colposcopy with biopsy to remove the abnormal tissue. After the tissue is removed, it is examined by a doctor who specializes in examination of such tissue. The reason that HSIL must be followed by evaluation of the abnormal tissue is that subsequent biopsy often finds invasive cervical cancer or advanced cervical dysplasia that may progress to invasive cervical cancer.

For more information, see the cervical cancer malpractice lawyers of Pennsylvania. We specialize in these cases.

Links:

American Society of Cytopathology

American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology