LSIL & HPV: Understanding Low-Grade Cervical Lesions

Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) are caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). If a pap smear reveals an LSIL, further testing to determine proper treatment might be required.

Definition

• Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions mean that some of the cells of the surface of the cervix have begun to change as a result of infection with HPV, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Effects

• The presence of LSILs will lead to an abnomal pap smear result. According to the National Cancer Institute, this abnormality is considered to be mild.

Types

• LSILs are not cancerous or precancerous, according to the National Cancer Institute. High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, however, are precancerous cells.

Significance

• As with other abnormal pap smear results, an LSIL might trigger additional testing, including another pap smear, a colposcopy (a specialized type of visual test, according to the Mayo Clinic) or a biopsy, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Considerations

• Because LSILs are defined as being caused by HPV, HPV testing is not required when an LSIL is discovered.