Epithelial Cell Abnormality

Hearing the phrase “epithelial cell abnormality” on a lab report can sound scary, but in most cases, it’s manageable and treatable, especially when caught early.

What is an epithelial cell abnormality?

Epithelial cells line the surfaces of your body such as the cervix, skin, lungs, urinary tract, and digestive tract. An abnormality means some of these cells don’t look typical under a microscope. This does not automatically mean cancer. Often, it reflects inflammation, infection, hormonal changes, or early precancerous changes that simply need follow-up.

Which areas are most commonly affected?

The most frequent findings are in the cervix, usually detected during a Pap smear. Other areas that can show epithelial abnormalities include:

• Urinary tract (found in urine tests)
• Skin (biopsies or dermatology exams)
• Respiratory tract (sputum or bronchoscopy samples)
• Gastrointestinal tract (endoscopy biopsies)

In women, cervical epithelial abnormalities are often linked to HPV, but many cases resolve with monitoring or minor treatment.

Which doctor should you see at Medex DTC?

At Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center, we guide you to the right specialist based on where the abnormality was found:

• GYN – for abnormal Pap smears, cervical or vaginal epithelial changes
• Urologist – for epithelial abnormalities in urine or bladder findings
• Dermatologist – for skin-related epithelial changes
• Gastroenterologist – for stomach, colon, or esophageal findings
• Pulmonologist – for lung or airway epithelial abnormalities

Our team coordinates follow-up testing, biopsies, HPV testing, imaging, and treatment—all in one place, with a clear plan and no guesswork.

An epithelial cell abnormality is a signal to look closer, not a diagnosis to panic over. With early evaluation and the right specialist, most causes are fully manageable.

📍 Concerned about an abnormal test result?
Book an appointment at Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center and get clarity fast—from trusted specialists, under one roof.

FAQs: Epithelial Cell Abnormality

What does “epithelial cell abnormality” mean on a report?
It means some surface-lining cells look different than usual under a microscope. This can be due to infection, inflammation, hormonal changes, or early precancerous changes—and does not automatically mean cancer.

Is an epithelial cell abnormality cancer?
Most of the time, no. Many abnormalities are benign or low-grade and simply require monitoring or minor treatment. Your doctor determines next steps based on the cell type and severity.

What causes epithelial cell abnormalities?
Common causes include HPV, other infections, inflammation, irritation, smoking, hormonal shifts (pregnancy/menopause), or normal cell repair. Less commonly, they can reflect precancerous or cancerous changes.

Which test usually finds this?
It’s often found on a Pap smear (cervical cells), but can also appear in urine tests, skin biopsies, endoscopies, or lung samples, depending on symptoms and screening.

Do I need more tests?
Sometimes. Your doctor may recommend repeat testing, HPV testing, colposcopy, biopsy, or imaging—depending on where the abnormality was found and how atypical the cells look.

Can epithelial cell abnormalities go away on their own?
Yes. Many low-grade changes—especially those related to inflammation or HPV—resolve naturally with time and follow-up.

Which doctor should I see?
It depends on location:

• OB-GYN – abnormal Pap smear or cervical/vaginal cells
• Urologist – urine or bladder findings
• Dermatologist – skin changes
• Gastroenterologist – GI tract findings
• Pulmonologist – lung or airway findings

Where can I get evaluated quickly?
At Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center, specialists coordinate follow-up testing and treatment in one place—so you get clear answers fast.

When should I worry?
If the report mentions high-grade changes, persistent abnormalities, or you have symptoms like abnormal bleeding, pain, or unexplained weight loss, schedule evaluation promptly.