Cervical dysplasia is a condition that women can develop before developing cervical cancer. The condition is precancerous and is characterized by the growth of abnormal cells on the lining of the cervix or endocervical canal. Cervical dysplasia is also known as intraepithelial neoplasia. This condition is often associated with HPV, or human papillomavirus, which is a sexually transmitted infection. The condition is most common among women who are younger than thirty years old. However, women of any age can develop it.

There are usually no symptoms caused by cervical dysplasia. It is often identified while having a routine Pap test. If a woman is diagnosed with cervical dysplasia and has routine follow-up appointments and the necessary treatment, there is a good outlook in regards to prognosis. However, if a woman develops cervical dysplasia and it is never diagnosed by a doctor and treated appropriately, there is a higher risk of her developing cervical cancer.

There are a number of risk factors that are associated with cervical dysplasia. The most important risk factor for cervical dysplasia is having human papillomavirus that is never treated. Women have an increased risk of developing human papillomavirus if they begin having sexual intercourse at an early age, have multiple sex partners, have a partner who has had multiple sex partners, or have sex with a man who is uncircumcised.

In order to diagnose cervical dysplasia, women must have a Pap test. However, a Pap test can only determine the severity of the case of cervical dysplasia. Cervical dysplasia may be mild, moderate, or severe. Your doctor will do additional tests to determine what the best treatment and follow-up plan is. Additional tests may include:

·         Cone biopsy or LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure): These are done to rule out invasive cancer.

·         HPV DNA test: This can determine HPV strains that cause cervical cancer.

·         Repeat Pap tests

·         Endocervical curettage: This is a procedure to check for abnormal cells in the cervical canal.

·         Colposcopy: This is a type of cervical exam used to detect abnormal cells before doing a biopsy.  

There are a few different treatment options for cervical dysplasia. Treatment options for cervical dysplasia include two procedures called a cone biopsy or LEEP. Other treatments for cervical dysplasia include cryosurgery, electrocauterization, or laser surgery.