Information From Your Health Care Provider

CERVICAL DYSPLASIA

Basic information

description

Cervical dysplasia is the growth of abnormal cells on or in the cervix. It may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the spread and type of the abnormal cells. Dysplasia is not cancer, but can become cancerous. Dysplasia occurs in females age 15 and over, and most often in those age 25 to 35.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Usually no signs or symptoms occur. The diagnosis results from a routine Pap smear test.

causes

Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a role. There are many different types of HPV. It is a sexually transmitted disease and a woman can have it for many years and not know it. Most HPV infections heal on their own and most women with HPV do not develop cancer. Other factors are involved in addition to an HPV infection that trigger cancer cells to grow.

risk increases with

Early age of first intercourse.
Multiple sex partners or sex with men who have had multiple sexual partners.
Multiple pregnancies.
Human papillomavirus infection.
Use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills).
Family history of cervical cancer.
Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.
Having sexually transmitted diseases. Smoking.
Women in low income groups. Poor nutrition.
Daughters of mothers who took DES (diethylstilbestrol) to prevent miscarriage between 1938 and 1971.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Avoid the risks where possible.
Limit the number of sexual partners.
Use condoms when you have sexual intercourse.
Get regular pelvic exams, Pap smears, and HPV tests.
Quit smoking or never start smoking.
HPV vaccine (for ages 11-26). It protects against most, but not all, HPV types that cause cancer. It is most effective when given before first sexual contact.

expected outcomes

Most dysplasia is the mild form. Many of these cases resolve without treatment. Moderate to severe dysplasia can usually be cured with treatment.

possible complications

Some moderate or severe dysplasia may progress to cervical cancer. It can take years for this to happen.
Dysplasia may recur after treatment. Recurrent dysplasia may be treated with a hysterectomy.
Rarely, treatment may cause bleeding or infection.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a pelvic exam. Medical tests include a Pap smear. A swab of cervical cells may be taken for exam to check for HPV. A colposcopy (exam of the cervix with an instrument with a lighted tip) may be done. It can be combined with a biopsy. A biopsy involves removal of any tissue that appears abnormal for viewing with a microscope. Other tests may be done if further diagnosis is needed. The results of these tests help classify the dysplasia.
Treatment will vary depending on the degree and extent of the cervical dysplasia. No treatment may be recommended in some cases. Follow up visits will be needed to be sure the dysplasia clears up on its own.
The abnormal cells may be frozen (cryotherapy), cut out with an electrical loop, burned away by laser, or removed in a cone biopsy. Your health care provider will explain these options and any risk factors involved.
Follow-up care will depend on the treatment method.
Follow-up Pap smears every 3 to 6 months, for 1 to 2 years, are usually recommended. This will verify the success of treatment and detect any recurrence. Be sure to schedule annual Pap smears after that time.

medications

You may use nonprescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.
Prescription pain drugs may be prescribed depending on the treatment procedure.

activity

After treatment, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.
Delay sexual relations until a follow-up medical exam shows that healing is complete.