About this topic
Dysplasia is another name for abnormal cells. Cervical dysplasia means the cells on the top of your cervix are not normal. The cervix is a part of your uterus that opens at the top of the vagina. Abnormal cells do not mean you have cancer, but the cells may lead to cancer if you do not have proper care. The abnormal cells are most often caused by human papillomavirus or HPV. The cells may also be grouped as: ‚
- Low-grade (LSIL), CIN 1 or mild dysplasia
- High-grade (HSIL), CIN 2 or moderate dysplasia
- Possibly cancerous (malignant), CIN 3 or severe dysplasia to carcinoma in situ
What are the causes?
The most common cause is the human papilloma virus (HPV) which may be spread by sex. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- HPV infection
- Many sex partners
- Having sex before 18 years old
- Giving birth before 16 years old
- Low immune system
- Smoking
What are the main signs?
Most people may not have signs of dysplasia. Some signs that people may notice include: ‚
- Spotting or abnormal bleeding
- Discharge from vagina
- Lower back pain
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor may do a pelvic exam. Cervical dysplasia is often found on a normal exam like a Pap smear. During this test, cell samples will be taken from your cervix with a swab. This cell sample will be tested in the lab. The doctor will look for cells that are not normal. If some are found, the doctor may order: ‚
- Colposcopy ¢ ˆ ’ a follow-up test to a Pap smear. The test will tell the normal cells from abnormal cells.
- HPV DNA test
- Biopsy
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Treatment may depend on the stage of your illness. LSIL or mild dysplasia may heal without any treatment. You may need some treatment if you have moderate to severe dysplasia. ‚
Based on your test results, surgery may be a choice for your illness. Your doctor may give you many treatment choices. Learn as much as you can from your doctor so that you can make the right decision. Your choices include: ‚
- Cryosurgery ¢ ˆ ’ Freezes abnormal cells
- Laser therapy ¢ ˆ ’ Uses light to burn away the abnormal cells
- Cervical LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) ¢ ˆ ’ Uses low-voltage electricity to remove abnormal cells
- Cone biopsy ¢ ˆ ’ Surgery to remove abnormal tissue
Are there other health problems to treat?
Treating HPV infection may stop cervical dysplasia from getting worse. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Practice safe sex.
- Stop smoking.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Genital warts
- Problems during pregnancy
- Cancer of the cervix
- Other HPV-related cancers
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Ask your doctor for the HPV vaccine.
- Practice safe sex. Always use a condom when having sex.
- Limit the number of sex partners you have.
Where can I learn more?
Center for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm ‚
College of American Pathologists ‚
http://www.cap.org/apps/docs/reference/myBiopsy/dysplasia.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚