What does a result of "suspicious for malignancy" suggest?

A result of "suspicious for malignancy" indicates that there are atypical cells present in the sample, which raises concern for potential cancer. This terminology is used when the cellular changes observed do not fit neatly into benign criteria but also do not provide a definitive diagnosis of cancer. The atypical cells may exhibit features such as irregular shapes, sizes, and arrangements that deviate from normal cellular structure and function, prompting further investigation or monitoring. This finding implies that while there is a possibility of malignancy, additional testing or clinical correlation is necessary to reach a definitive conclusion about the presence of cancer.

Other options do not accurately reflect the implications of the term "suspicious for malignancy." For instance, stating that no significant abnormalities are present contradicts the very essence of the finding, as it acknowledges the presence of atypical cells. Similarly, complete cell differentiation and normal cell function suggest a completely benign situation, which does not align with the concerns that "suspicious for malignancy" raises.