What is agc on a pap?

The Bethesda system uses criteria like nuclear crowding, nuclear overlap with or without pseudo-stratification, enlarged nuclei (2-3 times the size of normal endocervical cells), variation in nuclear size and shape, hyperchromasia, chromatin irregularity, presence of nucleoli, mitoses, increased nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, and distinct and discernible cell borders. Atypical glandular cells – according to the Bethesda system of 2015- “should be categorized according to the site of origin as endocervical or endometrial whenever possible”. If the site of origin cannot be categorized then the general term "atypical glandular cells" can be used.

The glandular cells are classified according to the site of origin into the following subcategories (Bethesda 2015).[2][1]

Atypical Glandular Cells, NOS:

Definition: Cells resembling endocervical cells with nuclear atypia, that exceeds a reactive or reparative process but lack unequivocal features of endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ or invasive adenocarcinoma (Bethesda 2015). Whenever possible the location of origin of cells has to be specified eg: " endocervical" or " endometrial".

Criteria:

Criteria for reporting Atypical Endocervical cells, Favor neoplastic:

Definition: Glandular cells with morphology, either quantitatively or qualitatively falls short of interpreting as endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ or invasive adenocarcinoma (Bethesda 2015).

Criteria:

Criteria for reporting Atypical Endometrial cells:

DEFINITION: The distinction of atypical endometrial cells from benign endometrial cells is mainly based on the increased nuclear size in the atypical cells. The atypical endometrial cells are not generally further classified as " favor neoplastic" as it is a tough call and often gives poorly reproducible results. ( Bethesda 2015)

A finding of abnormal cells in a Pap test. The glandular cells come from the inner part of the cervix or the lining of the uterus. This finding may be a sign of cancer or other serious condition, and more testing may be needed. Also called atypical glandular cells.