Cervical dysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the cells on the surface of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the vagina.

The changes are not cancer, but they can lead to cancer of the cervix if not treated.

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia - dysplasia; CIN - dysplasia; Precancerous changes of the cervix - dysplasia; Cervical cancer - dysplasia; Squamous intraepithelial lesion - dysplasia; LSIL - dysplasia; HSIL - dysplasia; Low-grade dysplasia; High-grade dysplasia; Carcinoma in situ - dysplasia; CIS - dysplasia; ASCUS - dysplasia; Atypical glandular cells - dysplasia; AGUS - dysplasia; Atypical squamous cells - dysplasia; Pap smear - dysplasia; HPV - dysplasia; Human papilloma virus - dysplasia; Cervix - dysplasia; Colposcopy - dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia can develop at any age. However, follow-up and treatment will depend on your age. Cervical dysplasia is most commonly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that is spread through sexual contact. There are many types of HPV. Some types lead to cervical dysplasia or cancer. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts.

The following may increase your risk for cervical dysplasia:

• Having sex before age 18
• Having a baby at very young age
• Having had multiple sexual partners
• Having other illnesses, such as tuberculosis or HIV
• Using medicines that suppress your immune system
• Smoking
• Maternal history of exposure to DES (diethylstilbestrol)

Most of the time, there are no symptoms.

Treatment depends on the degree of dysplasia. Mild dysplasia (LSIL or CIN I) may go away without treatment. Changes due to HPV infection may also go away without treatment or dysplasia.

• You may only need careful follow-up by your provider with repeat Pap tests every 6 to 12 months.
• If the changes do not go away or get worse, treatment is needed.

Treatment for moderate-to-severe dysplasia or mild dysplasia that does not go away may include:

• Cryosurgery to freeze abnormal cells
• Laser therapy, which uses light to burn away abnormal tissue
• LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure), which uses electricity to remove abnormal tissue
• Surgery to remove the abnormal tissue (cone biopsy)
• Hysterectomy (in rare cases)

If you have had dysplasia, you will need to have repeat exams every 12 months or as suggested by your provider.

Make sure to get the HPV vaccine when it is offered to you. This vaccine prevents many cervical cancers.

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment cures most cases of cervical dysplasia. However, the condition may return.

Without treatment, severe cervical dysplasia may change into cervical cancer.

Contact your provider if your age is 21 or older and you have never had a pelvic exam and Pap test.

Ask your provider about the HPV vaccine. Girls who receive this vaccine before they become sexually active reduce their chance of getting cervical cancer.

You can reduce your risk of developing cervical dysplasia by taking the following steps:

• Get vaccinated for HPV between ages 9 to 45.
• Do not smoke. Smoking increases your risk of developing more severe dysplasia and cancer.
• Do not have sex until you are 18 or older.
• Practice safe sex. Use a condom.
• Practice monogamy. This means you have only one sexual partner at a time.

Published Date: January 10, 2022
Published By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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