Cervical Dysplasia
Causes
Cervical dysplasia refers to the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix. It is not necessarily cancer, but could indicate cancerous or precancerous cells. Cervical dysplasia can be either low- or high-grade. Low-grade cervical dysplasia usually does not require treatment and tends to resolve on its own. High-grade dysplasia is more likely to develop into cervical cancer and is usually treated with surgery to remove the abnormal cells.
Causes
Specific causes of cervical dysplasia are largely unknown, although different types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease, can lead to cervical dysplasia. Many people who become infected with HPV do not develop symptoms and do not even realize they have been infected, so it's important for women under the age of 30 to have annual pap tests. If you are diagnosed with HPV, your doctor may recommend pap tests every three to six months to monitor any changes in cervical cells. If caught early and treated, cervical dysplasia can often be resolved before progressing to cervical cancer.
Risk Factors
Certain factors increase the risk of developing cervical dysplasia. These include diagnosis with HPV, smoking, having multiple sexual partners, a history of other sexually transmitted diseases, long-term use of birth control pills, a suppressed or weakened immune system and dietary deficiencies in Vitamin A, Vitamin B9, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
Symptoms
Similar to HPV, cervical dysplasia may not produce any visible symptoms. Some women may develop genital warts or notice abnormal bleeding or vaginal discharge; however, these symptoms may be associated with other conditions or health problems and do not necessarily indicate the presence of cervical dysplasia. Talk to your doctor and ask for an accurate diagnosis if you notice any of these symptoms.
Diagnosis
Cervical dysplasia is normally detected during a routine pap smear. During a pap smear, your doctor will collect a small sample of cells from the cervix and place them on a slide. These cells are sent to a laboratory for diagnosis. If any abnormal cells are detected, your doctor may schedule a follow-up procedure known as a colposcopy. A colposcopy is a simple outpatient procedure that can be performed at your doctor's office. Your doctor will view the cervix through a magnifying lens to view the abnormal growth in the cervix. She may spray a vinegar solution onto the cervix, which will turn any abnormal cells white and allow her to view them more clearly. She may also decide to perform a biopsy and remove a small sample of the abnormal tissue.
Treatment
If cervical dysplasia does not resolve on its own or progresses to a high-grade condition, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the abnormal cells. Common procedures for cervical dysplasia have a 90 percent cure rate or better and are often performed under local anesthesia. Procedures include cryocauterization, which freezes the abnormal cells and is considered the simplest and safest method. Other procedures involve using a laser or an electrosurgical wire loop to remove the abnormal tissue. After surgery, regular pap smears should be continued in order to watch for the regrowth of any abnormal cells.
Tags: abnormal cells, cervical dysplasia, your doctor, remove abnormal, Vitamin Vitamin, abnormal tissue, cells Cervical
