What is dysplasia of cervix

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A colposcopy is an in-office procedure that gives your doctor a closer look at your cervix. He or she may take a biopsy of the cervix to help identify the abnormal area. Cervical dysplasia that is found on a biopsy is called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia CIN. There are 3 levels:. An HPV test can be completed at the same time or separately as the pap test. It will identify the presence and type of HPV.

The best way to prevent cervical dysplasia is to get the HPV vaccine. Consult your doctor to know if you meet all criteria for the vaccine. For best results, girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 26 should get vaccinated before becoming sexually active. However, vaccination can be helpful after onset of sexual activity and up to age Consult your doctor to discuss the vaccine criteria and if you should be vaccinated.

Treatment for cervical dysplasia will depend on the degree of abnormal cells and your medical history. Most mild cases will clear up without treatment. Your doctor may suggest getting a pap test every 6 to 12 months, instead of every 3 to 5 years.

Instances of moderate or severe cervical dysplasia could require immediate treatment. Options include:. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment cures most cases of cervical dysplasia. Once treated, cervical dysplasia can return. People who have severe cervical dysplasia, high-risk HPV, or whose condition goes untreated could develop cervical cancer. Fortunately, cervical cancer develops very slowly in most women and follow-up Pap smears should identify worrisome changes in plenty of time for treatment.

Make sure your doctor knows about all the medicines you are taking. Some, including estrogen and progestins, may affect the result of your Pap smear. Pap smears can be a wonderful, life saving tool. Treatment depends on the degree of dysplasia. If you have had dysplasia, you will need to have repeat exams every 12 months or as suggested by your provider.

Make sure to get the HPV vaccine when it is offered to you. This vaccine prevents many cervical cancers. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment cures most cases of cervical dysplasia. However, the condition may return. Call your provider if your age is 21 or older and you have never had a pelvic exam and Pap test.

Ask your provider about the HPV vaccine. Girls who receive this vaccine before they become sexually active reduce their chance of getting cervical cancer. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin No. Obstet Gynecol. PMID: pubmed.

Armstrong DK. Gynecologic cancers. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended immunization schedule for adults aged 19 years or older - United States, Hacker NF. Cervical dysplasia and cancer. Committee Opinion No. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommended immunization schedule for children and adolescents aged 18 years or younger - United States, Intraepithelial neoplasia of the lower genital tract cervix, vagina, vulva : etiology, screening, diagnosis, management.

Regular gynecological visits including a pelvic exam and Pap test can identify the conditions. Then your physician can help manage them before they turn cancerous. In some cases, the body clears HPV infection on its own. Symptoms of cervical cancer usually do not appear until abnormal cervical cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue. The most common symptom is abnormal bleeding that starts and stops between regular menstrual periods, or that occurs after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam.

Other symptoms may include:. These symptoms may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a physician for diagnosis. Request your next appointment through My Chart! Whether you're crossing the country or the globe, we make it easy to access world-class care at Johns Hopkins.