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 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, 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 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.
Maria Kyrgiou practices in London, United Kingdom. Kyrgiou and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Dysplasia. Her top areas of expertise are Cervical Dysplasia, Cervical Cancer, Human Papillomavirus Infection, Vaginectomy, and Hysterectomy.
Marc Arbyn practices in Brussels, Belgium. Arbyn and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Dysplasia. His top areas of expertise are Human Papillomavirus Infection, Cervical Cancer, Cervical Dysplasia, Endoscopy, and Hysterectomy.
Eduardo Franco practices in Montreal, Canada. Franco and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Dysplasia. His top areas of expertise are Human Papillomavirus Infection, Cervical Cancer, Cervical Dysplasia, Endoscopy, 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.
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical, throat, anal, and genital cancers. Cancers caused by HPV have a HPV protein called E7 inside of their cells. In this new therapy, researchers take a person s blood, remove certain white blood cells, and insert genes that make them to target cancer cells that have the E7 protein. The genetically changed cells, called E7 TCR cells, are then given back t...
Summary: The study evaluates if there is relationship between the kinds of bacteria living in the anus (also known as the anal microbiome) and the risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or HPV-related pre-cancer (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or HSIL) in Hispanic people living with HIV (PLWH) in Puerto Rico, Mexico and California
Published Date: March 31, 2024
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.
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