AIN - Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia - Also known as anal dysplasia, this condition refers to transformation of normal cells into abnormal cells involving the epithelium (skin cells) of the anus. These abnormal cells are considered pre-malignant and can range from AIN1 (low grade abnormality) to AIN3 (high grade abnormality also known as carcinoma in situ).
AIS - (Adenocarcinoma In Situ) - Adenocarcinoma is a cancer arising from tissue which is glandular in origin such as the rectum or portions of the cervix. It is considered to be localized or "in place" indicating that it has not spread beyond the affected area.
Aldara - Aldara cream activates your immune system to help your body fight certain skin diseases, including actinic keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinoma, and external genital warts.
ASCUS - (Atypical Squamous Cells of Uncertain Significance) - This is the most common abnormal PAP result and indicates there are mild cervical cell changes of unknown cause.
Biopsy - This procedure involves removing and examining a piece of tissue from the body for the purpose of diagnostic evaluation.
CIN - Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia - Also known as cervical dysplasia, this condition refers to transformation of normal cells into abnormal cells involving the lining of the cervix. These abnormal cells are considered pre-malignant and can range from CIN1 (low grade abnormality) to CIN3 (high grade abnormality also known as carcinoma in situ).
CIS - (Carcinoma In Situ) - See below definition for In Situ.
Dysplasia - A term used in pathology to indicate the presence of abnormal cells.
ECC - (Endocervical Curettage) - The removal of tissue from the inside of the cervix (within the cervical canal). This is usually performed with a small brush. This differs from a Pap since those cells are taken from the endocervix (the entrance to the cervical canal).
HSIL - (High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions) - Involving two or more layers of squamous cells with abnormal cell changes. These may be two or three layers such as CIN2 or CIN3, VIN2 or VIN3. Also see "In Situ" below.
Intraepithelial - The layers of cells which make up the surface or lining of an organ.
In Situ - In place or in position, undisturbed. This term is considered interchangeable with grade 3 intraepithelial lesions of any location (e.g. CIN3, AIN3, VIN3).
ISH - (In Situ Hybridization) - A method by which RNA or DNA can be localized and detected in preserved tissue.
LSIL - (Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions) - Involving the first layer of the squamous cells with abnormal cell changes. Examples of this are CIN1 or AIN1.
Neoplasia - An abnormal proliferation of cells typically progressing to form a neoplasm or tumor.
Pap - The test developed by Dr. George Papanicolaou involves a scraping/brushing of the cervix for pathologic analysis.
SCC - (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) - Cancer arising from skin cells. Squamous cell carcinoma can involve areas such as the cervix, vagina, prostate, mouth, throat, lungs, and urinary bladder to name a few.
VaIN - Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia - Also known as vaginal dysplasia, this condition refers to transformation of normal cells into abnormal cells involving the skin cells (epithelium) of the vagina. These abnormal cells are considered pre-malignant and can range from VaIN1 (low grade abnormality) to VaIN3 (high grade abnormality also known as carcinoma in situ).
VIN - Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia - Also known as vulvar dysplasia, this condition refers to transformation of normal cells into abnormal cells involving the skin cells (epithelium) of the vulva. These abnormal cells are considered pre-malignant and can range from VIN1 (low grade abnormality) to VIN3 (high grade abnormality also known as carcinoma in situ).
Virus - A sub-microscopic infectious agent which requires "host" cells in order to replicate (reproduce). Viruses are typically not considered living organisms and can cause a variety of diseases.
