Information on Dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia is a condition in which abnormal cells are detected on the surface of a woman's cervix. These abnormal cells are grouped into three categories of mild, moderate and severe according to how many and how deep into the cervix the abnormal cells have developed. Cervical dysplasia is known as a pre-cancerous condition.

Causes

• Most cases of cervical dysplasia are caused by infection of the cervix by the human papilloma virus, or HPV. Other factors which may contribute to cervical dysplasia include giving birth before the age of 16, having multiple sex partners, smoking and having sex before the age of 18. The condition can occur at any age, but predominately in women between the ages of 25 to 35. Unfortunately cervical dysplasia has no symptoms.

Diagnosis

• When a pap smear shows abnormal cells present, an HPV test will be taken. A swab from the cervix will be sent to the lab to check for HPV strains. A colposcopy is a procedure in which your doctor injects a solution onto your cervix that removes mucus and highlights the abnormal cells so your doctor can view them better. The solution and the scope make the abnormal cells appear white and normal cells pink. A biopsy will be performed if abnormal cells are present during the colposcopy and will confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

• Treatment will depend on the stage of the cervical dysplasia. When mild dysplasia is present your doctor may take a wait and see approach, requesting pap smears every three to six months. For moderate to severe dysplasia, the abnormal cells will need to be removed. Electrocauterization involves an incision that allows low-voltage high frequency radio waves to enter through a tiny incision and cut away abnormal tissue through electrical current. This procedure takes only 15 to 30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. Cryosurgery involves using a probe cooled by carbon dioxide that will freeze abnormal cells upon contact and eventually slough off. This procedure is also performed in an outpatient setting.

Gardasil

• Gardasil is a cervical cancer vaccine given to girls and young women from the ages of nine to 26. The vaccine does not prevent all types of cervical cancer and can cause side effects, such as headache, nausea, dizziness and fever. Discuss with your doctor if this type of vaccine would be right for you or for your daughter.

Solution

• There are certain things that you can do to minimize your risk of cervical dysplasia. Get routine yearly checkups and pap smears. Early detection and treatment may prevent the cells from turning into cervical cancer. According to the National Institute of Health, 30 to 50 percent of untreated cases of cervical dysplasia turn into cervical cancer. If you smoke, stop as smoking can contribute to changing cells in the cervix. Use condoms to decrease your chance of contracting STDs that can aggravate cervix cells. Limit your sexual partners as condoms do not always protect you from the HPV virus.