Cervical Dysplasia Symptoms & Treatment

Cervical dysplasia, also known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), is a medical condition which causes abnormal cell growth on the lining of the cervix (a neck-like passage that connects the vagina and uterus). Developing at any age in a woman's lifetime, cervical dysplasia is most often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) (one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections).

Considered precancerous, left untreated, cervical dysplasia can lead to cancer of the cervix. To schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider in that can diagnose and treat your cervical dysplasia, call (408) 946-9453 or contact us online.

Cervical Dysplasia Symptoms & Diagnosis

Typically, women do not experience cervical dysplasia symptoms; rather, the condition is most often discovered during a routine pap test. If women are experiencing symptoms in the vaginal region, it is most often due to an accompanying infection.

If your pap test reveals abnormalities, your healthcare may recommend further diagnostic tests to confirm a cervical dysplasia diagnosis such as:

• HPV Test: To confirm the existence of the HPV, a simple swab is taken to check for the presence of the virus. Your healthcare provider may regularly recommend this test alongside your pap test if you are over the age of 30.
• Colposcopy: As an exam which allows your healthcare provider to take a magnified look at the cervix, a colposcopy is also utilized in order to take a biopsy of cervical cells to perform further testing.

Cervical Dysplasia Stages

Depending on the extent of abnormal cells in the cervix, your healthcare provider will diagnose you with 1 of 3 cervical dysplasia stages:

1. CIN 1 (mild dysplasia): Considered a low-grade lesion, CIN 1 refers to dysplasia confined to one-third of the thickness of the cervical lining.
2. CIN 2 (moderate dysplasia): Considered a high-grade lesion, CIN 2 signifies approximately two-thirds of the cervical cells are abnormal.
3. CIN 3 (severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ): Also considered a high-grade lesion, CIN 3 indicates more than two-thirds of cervical cells are impacted.

Cervical Dysplasia Treatment

Treatment for cervical dysplasia will vary depending on the severity of your condition. Often, mild cervical dysplasia requires no treatment, as the condition can resolve itself. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend more frequent pap tests to monitor the abnormal cells.

If you are diagnosed with CIN 2 or CIN 3, or CIN 1 has persisted, your cervical dysplasia treatment may include:

• Laser therapy: A focused beam of light destroys abnormal cells
• Cryosurgery: A probe freezes and destroys abnormal cells
• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): A wire loop with an electric current removes abnormal cells
• Cone biopsy: A cone-shaped portion of the cervix is surgically removed; this is usually only recommended when your healthcare provider cannot get a complete view of the area during a colposcopy
• Hysterectomy: Used in rare instances, the uterus and cervix are surgically removed

Cervical dysplasia is estimated to affect up to 1 million women in the U.S. alone, particularly between the ages of 25 and 35. As an asymptomatic but potentially life-threatening condition, it is critical that all women undergo routine gynecological testing to detect the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix and to check for HPV. Your healthcare provider can also recommend preventative strategies such as the HPV vaccine and safe sex practices to reduce your risk of developing both HPV and cervical dysplasia.

Meet with a healthcare provider in ! Call (408) 946-9453 or contact us online.

Author

Gul A. Zikria, MD, FACOG As an expert in preventive care, innovative treatment solutions, and laparoscopic surgery, board-certified OB/GYN Gul A. Zikria, MD, FACOG, is a trusted practitioner who’s been in private practice since 1985. Dr. Zikria earned his doctor of medicine from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark. He went on to complete a competitive surgical residency program at Georgetown University in Washington. Dr. Zikria then went through a comprehensive obstetrics and gynecology residency program through the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center at the Magee-Women’s Hospital. He welcomes new and existing patients to his practice in Milpitas, California.