Final answer:
An ASCUS finding on a Pap smear usually prompts further evaluation including an HPV test and possibly a colposcopy with biopsy to rule out precancerous lesions or cervical cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
An ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) finding on a Pap smear typically requires further workup to determine the cause of the cellular abnormalities. This may include additional screening, such as an HPV test, to check for the presence of the human papillomavirus, which is a common cause of cervical abnormalities. If an HPV test is positive, or if the ASCUS finding is deemed higher risk based on other factors, a healthcare provider might recommend a colposcopy, where the cervix is examined under magnification, and possibly a biopsy to rule out or diagnose precancerous changes or cervical cancer.