Ascus
1. An acronym for Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance. This term is used in the Bethesda System for reporting Pap smear findings and indicates that some flat (squamous) cells look unusual and may or may not be pre-malignant or malignant. Of all Pap tests with an ASCUS reading, 90-95% are caused by benign conditions, chiefly infections. The remaining 5-10% prove to be precancer or cancer.
2. An elongated spore case containing the spores of certain fungi including yeast. The acronym ASCUS stands for Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance and is part of the Bethesda System for reporting of Pap smear results. This microscopic diagnosis means that some flat (squamous) cells look unusual and may or may not be premalignant or malignant.
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In the Bethesda
system, acronym for
atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, under cell. SEE ALSO: Bethesda system.
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atypia of squamous cells of undetermined significance
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as·cus 'as-kəs n,
pl as·ci 'as-.(k)ī, -.kē the membranous oval or tubular sporangium of an ascomycete
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as·cus (asґkəs) pl. asґci [Gr. askos bag] the sporangium or spore case of certain lichens and fungi, consisting of a single terminal cell. See Ascomycotina.
Medical dictionary.
2011.