Cervical DysplasiaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Cervical Dysplasia
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 is 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, treatment and follow-up 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 a 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.
The 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.
Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
Dr. Cornelia Trimble is a professor in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. She has joint appointments in the Departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Oncology, and Pathology. Dr. Trimble completed her residency in anatomic pathology at Cornell University Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in gynecologic pathology and a residency in gynecology and obstetrics at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Her clinical interest and expertise is in developing new ways to intercept cancers — treating pre-invasive, cancer precursor lesions — caused by HPV. Her work has focused on two nonsurgical strategies: (1) immunotherapy via therapeutic HPV vaccination, and (2) repurposing artesunate, a plant-derived compound used to treat malaria, as a topical treatment administered by the patient herself to treat high-grade, intraepithelial HPV lesions. Her work has shown proof-of-principle, that it is indeed possible to eliminate HPV pre-cancers without surgery, and has been recognized internationally. Dr. Trimble has dedicated herself to delivering cutting-edge care to girls and women who have a very common problem, caused by a very common virus, HPV. She values respect, integrity, quality and compassion in caring for her patients. Dr. Trimble is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Dysplasia. She is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Cervical Dysplasia, Human Papillomavirus Infection, Vulvar Cancer, and Cervical Cancer. Dr. Trimble is board certified in American Board Of Obstetrics And Gynecology and American Board Of Pathology.
Emory Clinic At 1365 Clifton Road
Lisa Flowers is an Obstetrics and Gynecologist practicing medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. She has been practicing medicine for over 34 years. Dr. Flowers is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Dysplasia. She is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Cervical Dysplasia, Cervical Cancer, Genital Warts, Endoscopy, and Hysterectomy. Dr. Flowers is board certified in American Board Of Obstetrics And Gynecology, 2001.
Maria Kyrgiou practices practicing medicine in London, United Kingdom. Ms. Kyrgiou is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Dysplasia. She is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Cervical Dysplasia, Cervical Cancer, Human Papillomavirus Infection, Vaginectomy, and Hysterectomy.
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.
Summary: The purpose of this study is to see if curcumin can reverse anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (aHSIL) (high-grade anal precancerous cells or high-grade abnormal cells) in people living with HIV to avoid current treatments such as ablation (destroying abnormal cells with heat or surgical excision (cutting out the abnormal cells)), which have potential short- and long-term side effect...
Summary: Phase I clinical trial to assess safety of pNGVL4aCRTE6E7L2 DNA and TA-CIN protein vaccinations, and to seek the appropriate dose of the pNGVL4aCRTE6E7L2 DNA vaccine
Published Date: March 17, 2026
Published By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Practice advisory: updated cervical cancer screening guidelines. www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2021/04/updated-cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines. Updated April 2021. Accessed June 25, 2024.
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Armstrong DK. Gynecologic cancers. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 184.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Updated guidelines for management of cervical cancer screening abnormalities. www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2020/10/updated-guidelines-for-management-of-cervical-cancer-screening-abnormalities. Reaffirmed October 2025. Accessed March 26, 2026.
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Perkins RB, Wolf AMD, Church TR, et al. Self-collected vaginal specimens for human papillomavirus testing and guidance on screening exit: An update to the American Cancer Society cervical cancer screening guideline. CA Cancer J Clin. 2026;76(1):e70041. PMID: 41342729 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41342729/.
Salcedo MP, Phoolcharoen N, Schmeler KM. Intraepithelial neoplasia of the lower genital tract (cervix, vagina, vulva): etiology, screening, diagnosis, management. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 29.
US Preventive Services Task Force; Curry SJ, Krist AH, Owens DK, et al. Screening for cervical cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2018;320(7):674-686. PMID: 30140884 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30140884/.
Wodi AP, Issa AN, Moser CA, Cineas S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended immunization schedule for adults aged 19 years or older - United States, 2025. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2025;74(2):30-33. PMID: 39820474 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39820474/.