Cervical dysplasia is a condition where abnormal cells grow on the surface of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. This growth is not cancerous, but it can be a warning sign that could lead to cervical cancer if not treated.
The main cause of cervical dysplasia is a continuous infection with human papillomavirus, a common virus transmitted through sexual contact. HPV can cause these abnormal changes in the cervix.
To find cervical dysplasia early, it’s important for women to get Pap smears and cervical cancer tests. These tests can find the abnormal cells before they turn into cancer. If cervical dysplasia is found, a healthcare provider can offer treatment to stop it from getting worse.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, between 250,000-1,000,000 females in the U.S. are affected by cervical dysplasia each year. Regular screenings and early intervention are key to managing the condition and preventing the development of cervical cancer.
Symptoms
Cervical dysplasia usually doesn’t show any symptoms. Most individuals with HPV, the virus that causes cervical dysplasia, also don’t have any noticeable symptoms or health problems, according to Planned Parenthood.
Healthcare providers often find cervical dysplasia during a regular Pap smear, which is a test done to check for any abnormal cells on the cervix.
If cervical dysplasia progresses to cervical cancer, symptoms may eventually appear. However, the early grades of cancer of the cervix often don’t cause any symptoms, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
When cervical cancer is more advanced, it can lead to unusual symptoms. These may involve abnormal bleeding, like bleeding post-sex, and unusual discharge from the vagina.
Causes
Cervical dysplasia is mainly caused by a long-lasting infection with the human papillomavirus. HPV is a group of more than 200 linked viruses, and among them, HPV 16 is particularly important because it is responsible for about 50 percent of cervical cancer episodes.
According to the CDC, HPV is a usual sexually transmitted infection. Many individuals who are sexually active will come into contact with HPV at some point. In about 90 percent of episodes, the body’s immune system will naturally eliminate the virus within two years.
Some people have HPV infections that last longer. If HPV remains in the body for an extended period, it can cause cervical dysplasia. If not treated, cervical dysplasia can eventually develop into cancer of the cervix.
Risk Factors
This condition can lead to cervical cancer, and several factors can heighten the risk of getting this cancer. One major risk factor is contracting human papillomavirus, which is a primary cause of cervical dysplasia. Being sexually agile at a younger age, especially before 18, can also elevate the risk, as can having a number of sexual mates or a sexual mate who has HPV or the number of mates.
Other factors that contribute to increased risk include smoking and having a weak immune system. Additionally, a history of chlamydia, long-term use of oral contraceptives, and having multiple full-term pregnancies can also raise the risk. Women who had a full-term gestation period before the age of 20 are at a higher risk, as are those in contact with diethylstilbestrol, an unnatural form of estrogen. A family history of cancer of the cervix further adds to the risk.
According to an article in 2021, being exposed to HPV at a young age can heighten the likelihood of developing a continuous HPV infection, which further raises the risk of cervical dysplasia and eventually cervical cancer.
Diagnosis
Cervical dysplasia is usually found through a regular Pap smear test, which is a screening procedure used to check for abnormal cells on the cervix.
If a Pap smear shows that there are low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, the healthcare provider will suggest follow-up tests. These additional examinations help determine whether the abnormal changes are more severe than initially thought.
If the Pap smear indicates high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, the next step is often a colposcopy. This is a procedure where the healthcare provider uses a special instrument to examine the cervix more closely.
During the colposcopy, the healthcare provider might also carry out a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of cervical tissue. This tissue sample is sent to a lab for analysis to check if any of the cells are cancerous or precancerous.
Based on the results, the healthcare provider will suggest the appropriate treatment to manage the condition.
Treatment
The treatment for cervical dysplasia depends on how severe the condition is. For mild episodes, healthcare providers may recommend a “watch and wait” approach. This means checking the situation without immediate intervention. Typically, a Pap smear is scheduled about a year later to check if the abnormal cells have improved or changed.
In cases of moderate to serious dysplasia, or if a mild episode does not improve more active treatment is usually necessary. The primary aim of these treatments is to rule out abnormal cells and prevent them from progressing to cancer.
Several treatment alternatives are available:
- Cervical Conization or Cone Biopsy: This surgical procedure eliminates a small, cone-shaped section of the cervix containing abnormal cells.
- Laser Therapy: This method uses a focused beam of light to destroy the abnormal cells on the cervix.
- LEEP: An electrified wire is used to cut away and rule out the abnormal cells from the cervix.
- Cryosurgery or Cryocauterization: This technique involves freezing the abnormal area with extremely low temperatures to destroy the abnormal cells.
Each of these methods is chosen based on the specific needs of the patient and the extent of the dysplasia.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of cervical dysplasia, it is important to take several preventive steps. One key measure is to get vaccinated against human papillomavirus. The CDC suggests that individuals aged 11 to 12 receive the HPV vaccine. It’s also advised for individuals who are sexually active and under 26 years old.
Regular screenings are also crucial for prevention. This involves cervical cancer tests and Pap smears, which help identify any abnormalities early and manage them before they become more serious.
Involving in safe sex is another important prevention strategy. Using barrier methods, like dental dams and condoms, can significantly lower the risk of contracting HPV, which is a major cause of cervical dysplasia. By following these guidelines, individuals can better protect themselves against this condition and its potential progression to cervical cancer.
Outlook
Cervical dysplasia doesn’t always turn into cervical cancer. With the right treatment, healthcare providers can eliminate the abnormal cells before they have a chance to become cancerous. This means that with proper care, the risk of developing cancer can be significantly decreased.
To help prevent cervical dysplasia from progressing, it’s important to have Pap smears. These tests can identify any abnormal changes early, allowing for timely treatment and decreasing the likelihood of serious problems in the future. Regular follow-ups and check-ups with your healthcare provider are key to staying on top of your cervical health and ensuring any issues are addressed promptly.
Summary
Cervical dysplasia is a condition where abnormal cells develop on the cervix, mainly due to persistent HPV infection. It often shows no symptoms and is usually identified through routine Pap smears. For mild cases, a “watch and wait” approach is often used, while moderate to serious cases may require treatments like laser therapy or cone biopsy. Preventive measures include the HPV vaccination, regular tests, and safe sex practices. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the progression of cervical cancer, making regular check-ups essential for maintaining cervical health.
