Which statement best describes the recommended follow-up for LSIL on Pap smear in a patient under 25?

Which statement best describes the recommended follow-up for LSIL on Pap smear in a patient under 25?

• A. Immediate colposcopy
• B. HPV testing
• C. Repeat cytology in 12 months
• D. Cryotherapy

Answer: (C)

When a young patient has LSIL on a Pap smear, the best approach is to watch and recheck rather than jump to invasive procedures. In this age group, LSIL often reflects a transient HPV infection that will clear on its own, so immediate colposcopy or treatment is usually unnecessary and could lead to overtreatment. Repeating cytology in about 12 months allows time to see if the abnormal cells persist or disappear. HPV testing isn’t a helpful triage step here because HPV infection is very common in jeunes women and a positive result doesn’t reliably indicate a high-grade lesion in this group. Cryotherapy is a treatment aimed at confirmed significant cervical dysplasia (not just LSIL) and isn’t indicated based on a single LSIL finding in someone under 25.

When a young patient has LSIL on a Pap smear, the best approach is to watch and recheck rather than jump to invasive procedures. In this age group, LSIL often reflects a transient HPV infection that will clear on its own, so immediate colposcopy or treatment is usually unnecessary and could lead to overtreatment. Repeating cytology in about 12 months allows time to see if the abnormal cells persist or disappear. HPV testing isn’t a helpful triage step here because HPV infection is very common in jeunes women and a positive result doesn’t reliably indicate a high-grade lesion in this group. Cryotherapy is a treatment aimed at confirmed significant cervical dysplasia (not just LSIL) and isn’t indicated based on a single LSIL finding in someone under 25.