Is there a difference between ascus and high risk hpv?

Yes: Ascus is an abbreviation used to classify changes to the cells of the cervix. Ascus can be reported as hpv positive or hpv negative. If it is hpv positive, then the high risk types of hpv are present and you should have a colposcopy of the cervix performed. If it is hpv negative, then you can go back to normal pap smear screening. After an ascus hpv negative, I have people return in one year.

Yes: ASCUS is "Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance." The pap specimen didn't look normal but couldn't be classified into a known category so its called ASCUS. HPV is "Human Papiloma Virus." There are over 140 subtypes of HPV. "High Risk" means that an HPV subtype known to cause cervical cancer. If you had and ASCUS pap AND HRHPV, a biopsy is needed. Best Wishes!