Anal cytology 

Anal cytology is known as an anal Pap test. This is a moistened cotton swab that is used to collect cells from the anal canal. It can sometimes pick up cells that the clinician cannot see, and usually, the clinician can visualize areas that the swab does not always pick up. It is the first part of the HRA exam. 

Cytology (anal Pap) results

• Negative - no abnormal cells concerning for HPV-related changes
• ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) - mildly abnormal changes that are not always suggestive of precancerous changes
• LSIL (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) - mild dysplasia, these types of cells do not become cancerous
• HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) - moderate to severe dysplasia, these types of cells have the potential to transform into cancer over time but do not always