Learn About Cervical Dysplasia

What is the definition of 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.

What are the alternative names for Cervical Dysplasia?

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

What are the causes of Cervical 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)
What are the symptoms of Cervical Dysplasia?

Most of the time, there are no symptoms.

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What are the current treatments for Cervical Dysplasia?

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.

Who are the top Cervical Dysplasia Local Doctors?
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obstetrics and Gynecology

Carle Health Care Incorporated

611 W Park St, 
Urbana, IL 
 39.7 mi

Jeremy Johnson is an Obstetrics and Gynecologist in Urbana, Illinois. Dr. Johnson and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Dysplasia. His top areas of expertise are Menorrhagia, Cervical Dysplasia, Bartholin Cyst or Abscess, Human Papillomavirus Infection, and Intrauterine Device Insertion.

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obstetrics and Gynecology
611 W. Park St., Ob/gyn, 
Urbana, IL 
 39.7 mi

Jon Weisbaum is an Obstetrics and Gynecologist in Urbana, Illinois. Dr. Weisbaum and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Dysplasia. His top areas of expertise are Uterine Prolapse, Neonatal Ovarian Cyst, Cervical Dysplasia, Ovarian Cysts, and Intrauterine Device Insertion.

 
 
 
 
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Gynecologic Oncology | Urology | Plastic Surgery
Gynecologic Oncology | Urology | Plastic Surgery

Hospital And Medical Foundation Of Paris, Inc.

721 E Court St, 
Paris, IL 
 78.1 mi

Arturo Menchaca is a Gynecologic Oncologist and an Urologist in Paris, Illinois. Dr. Menchaca has been practicing medicine for over 46 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Dysplasia. His top areas of expertise are Endometriosis, Vulvovaginitis, Adenomyosis, and Urinary Incontinence.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Cervical Dysplasia?

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.

When should I contact a medical professional for Cervical Dysplasia?

Contact your provider if your age is 21 or older and you have never had a pelvic exam and Pap test.

How do I prevent Cervical Dysplasia?

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.
What are the latest Cervical Dysplasia Clinical Trials?
Improving Diagnostic in Cervical Dysplasia: A Randomized Study With Local Estrogen Prior to Colposcopy

Summary: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. It is caused by an infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). A persistent infection with HPV is associated with increased risk of precancerous lesions, which may further develop into cervical cancer. To reduce the disease burden, accurate and timely diagnosis of cervical precancerous lesions are crucial. To identify cervical pre...

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A Phase I/II Trial of T Cell Receptor Gene Therapy Targeting HPV-16 E7 for HPV-Associated Cancers

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...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

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.

What are the references for this article ?

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.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Committee on Adolescent Health Care, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Immunization, Infectious Disease, and Public Health Preparedness Expert Work Group. Human papillomavirus vaccination: ACOG committee opinion, number 809. Obstet Gynecol. 2020;136(2):e15-e21 PMID: 32732766 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32732766/.

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 2023. Accessed June 3, 2024.

Fontham ETH, Wolf AMD, Church TR, et al. Cervical cancer screening for individuals at average risk: 2020 guideline update from the American Cancer Society. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020;70(5):321-346. PMID: 32729638 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32729638/.

Hacker NF. Cervical dysplasia and cancer. In: Hacker NF, Gambone JC, Hobel CJ, eds. Hacker & Moore's Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 38.

Murthy N, Wodi AP, McNally V, Cineas S, Ault K. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended immunization schedule for adults aged 19 years or older - United States, 2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2023;72(6):141-144. PMID: 36757861 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36757861/.

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, Murthy N, McNally VV, Daley MF, Cineas S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended immunization schedule for children and adolescents aged 18 years or younger - United States, 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2024;73(1):6-10. PMID: 38206855 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38206855/.