Cervical Dysplasia

Cervical Dysplasia is the abnormal growth of the epithelial tissue covering the surface of the cervix. Dysplasia is considered precancerous, and may lead to cervical cancer if not treated.

The exact cause for abnormal cell changes in the cervix tissue is not known. However, Cervical Dysplasia has been linked to a common virus known as human papilloma virus (HPV).

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

• Sex: Female only
• Multiple sexual partners
• Early onset of sexual activity (before age 18)
• Early childbearing (before age 16)
• Smoking
• Sexually transmitted diseases (especially Human Papilloma virus (HPV))
• Genital Herpes
• HIV infection
• History of DES exposure
• History of in utero exposure to diethyl stilbersterol (DES), an estrogen-like substance prescribed to prevent miscarriages in high-risk pregnancies.

There are usually no overt symptoms of benign Cervical Dysplasia the cell changes are detected by diagnostic tests (see below).

Diagnosis of dysplasia includes the following:

Pap smear

Regular Pap smears can help diagnose or monitor Cervical Dysplasia. Cells are collected from your cervix, and then sent to a laboratory for analysis. If abnormal cell growth is found on a Pap smear, a colposcopy may be performed.

Colposcopy and biopsy

A thin tube with a magnifying glass is used to examine the cervix, which has been lightly coated with a vinegar solution that will highlight abnormal cells. Removal of a tiny bit of tissue (biopsy) is often done at the same time. The biopsy will be sent to a laboratory for analysis, where abnormal cell growth will be classified as mild, moderate, marked, severe, or cancerous

Treatment of Cervical Dysplasia depends on the type of dysplasia, location and size of the cell growth, and whether it is graded as high or low. Treatment methods include:

Cone biopsy

Removal of a tiny cone-shaped piece of tissue from the opening of the cervix. The biopsy will be analyzed. The results will show whether any of the abnormal cell growth is cancerous.

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)

A small biopsy of the cervix is taken with a wire loop heated by electric current. The results will show whether any of the abnormal cell growth is cancerous.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery freezes and destroys the dysplasia on the cervix. This method is not recommended for treating large areas of dysplasia.

Laser treatment

Laser treatment uses a beam of light to destroy abnormal cells. This method is more favorable than cryosurgery because there is less destruction of surrounding normal tissue than with some other methods. Although healing is faster than with other methods, laser treatment is expensive, and not always widely available.

If cancer is found

If the cone biopsy or LEEP biopsy show cancer, surgery or radiation therapy may be indicated. Your doctor will discuss these options with you.

Follow-up:

All women who have had Cervical Dysplasia should continue to follow up with frequent Pap tests every 3-6 months, or as prescribed by her health care provider.

Prevention includes:

• Safe sex methods to prevent HPV infection
• Regular Pap smears at age 18 or at the onset of sexual activity, whichever comes first.
• Smoking cessation