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.
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 9 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Cervical Dysplasia, Cervical Cancer, Human Papillomavirus Infection, Vaginectomy, and Hysterectomy.
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Clinic
Teresa Darragh is an Obstetrics and Gynecologist practicing medicine in San Francisco, California. Dr. Darragh is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Dysplasia. She is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Cervical Dysplasia, Human Papillomavirus Infection, Cervical Cancer, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal (SCAC), and Endoscopy. Dr. Darragh is board certified in American Board Of Pathology, Cytopathology and American Board Of Pathology, Anatomic Pathology.
Marc Arbyn practices practicing medicine in Brussels, Belgium. Mr. Arbyn is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Dysplasia. He is also highly rated in 7 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Human Papillomavirus Infection, Cervical Cancer, Cervical Dysplasia, Endoscopy, and Intrauterine Device Insertion.
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: This study evaluates a modified two-probe thermal ablation protocol using the IRIS™ device and retrospectively assesses an AI-based Automated Visual Evaluation (AVE) triage algorithm among HPV-positive women in El Salvador. The primary objective is to estimate 1-year cure rates of CIN2+ following treatment. A secondary objective is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of AVE compared with histop...
Summary: The goal of the proposed research is to 1) examine the performance of emerging screening methods for anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (aHSIL), a precancerous condition of anal cancer, among populations at high risk for anal cancer and 2) characterize DNA methylation, immunologic response, and environmental factors associated with aHSIL.
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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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/.