Abnormality of the cells of the cervix.
The presence of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. They are not cancerous, but have characteristics similar to early cancer cells when viewed under a microscope. Symptoms can include bleeding from the vagina between menstrual periods, after having sex, or after menopause, or a heavy vaginal discharge. Cervical dysplasia is often linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease that causes venereal warts.
Precancerous changes in the cells of the uterine cervix, typically obtained for cytological examination by brushing or scraping cells from the cervix during a Pap test or colposcopy.
Dysplasia refers to the atypical proliferation of epithelial cells, and it is precisely this condition that a Pap smear aims to identify within the cervix.
Alterations in the surface cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus (commonly known as the neck of the uterus), that have the potential to develop into cancer over time.
Cervical dysplasia is categorized into three grades: mild, moderate, and severe. These grades are determined by the extent of cellular changes observed in cervical smear test samples. Alternatively, abnormalities can be classified as grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Mild dysplasia indicates that abnormal cells have the potential to return to a normal state without treatment. However, if left untreated, severe dysplasia can progress and lead to the development of cervical cancer.
The exact cause of cervical dysplasia is unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified. These risk factors include smoking and engaging in unprotected sexual activity at an early age or with multiple partners.
The appropriate treatment for cervical dysplasia depends on the severity of the condition. In cases of mild or moderate dysplasia, the abnormal cells can be eliminated using laser treatment or freezing techniques during colposcopy, which involves inspecting the cervix with a viewing instrument. Another option is loop excision, a surgical procedure that involves removing a specific area of the cervix. If the dysplasia is severe, loop excision or cone biopsy are typically recommended as treatment approaches.