Cervical dysplasia is a condition that describes a precancerous formation in the surface of the cervix. This consists of an appearance of abnormal cells and can range between mild and severe. This condition, apart from eventually leading to the development of cervical cancer, dysplasia doesn't cause any other health problems. Fortunately, if detected on time, dysplasia is 100% curable and curing it means that cancer is guaranteed not to develop.

If, however, it is left untreated, dysplasia is most likely to develop into cervical carcinoma in situ, and finally into invasive cervical cancer. About 30% or 50% of all dysplasia lesions will eventually progress into invasive cancer.

Dysplasia is mainly caused by HPV infections yet other factors must also play a part. Research has been quite unclear about what are the other causes that also contribute to the formation of cancerous cells in the cervix.



Between 250,000 and 1 million women are diagnosed with dysplasia every year in the US. This makes is a serious health risk and also a reason for all women to be consistent about their screening tests. These screenings can diagnose dysplasia and, if abnormal cells are present, you will have to undergo further specialized tests like colposcopy or biopsy.

Signs and symptoms that should make you seek medical attention include: genital warts, abnormal bleeding, vaginal discharge and low back pain. If you notice any of these you should schedule yourself for an examination but don't panic, as they can also be signs of many other mild affections.



Before moving on to treatment, you must also know that there are ways to prevent cervical dysplasia. HPV vaccines like Gardasil and Cervarix can be taken in order to prevent HPV strains 16 and 18 from causing abnormalities in the cervix. Practicing safe sex can also reduce the risk of being infected with HPV and therefore of developing dysplasia. Other lifestyle changes can also be effective in preventing the onset of dysplasia. These include not smoking, not having multiple sex partners and having a diet rich in beta-caroten and vitamins C and B.

Treatment usually consists of surgical procedures which can be done in an unpatient setting. However, some procedures might affect future fertility so you have to carefully consult with your doctor before undergoing a particular procedure. There's no 100% sure lik between pregnancy and treatments for dysplasia but it has been reported that it can lead to preterm delivery in the case of a pregnant woman.<

Surgical procedures are done to remove abnormal  tissue and this completely cures dysplasia. These procedures can include: cryocauterization, laser therapy, loop electrosurgical excision and cervical conization. They all have a cure rate of at least 90%, cryocauterization having the highest cure rate of them all.

Ask your doctor for more information about dysplasia and give yourself the best chance to prevent cervical cancer. Be one of the 89% of women in the US, already having regular pap screenings.