What is cervical dysplasia?
Cervical dysplasia is an abnormal change in the cells lining the surface of the cervix (the narrow channel that connects this organ to the vagina).
In the United States alone, between 250,000 and one million cases of hip dysplasia are diagnosed annually. This condition most often occurs in women aged 25–35.
These altered cells themselves are not dangerous and generally do not cause discomfort to the woman. However, there is a catch.
What is the danger of cervical dysplasia?
Due to abnormal cells, the cervix loses some of its protective properties. This makes it easier for the human papillomavirus (HPV) to penetrate. This infection is dangerous: replicating HPV causes at least 90% of cervical cancer cases.
Where does cervical dysplasia come from?
The human papillomavirus is believed to be the culprit behind dysplasia. By mutating cells, it creates a platform for mass invasion.
HPV enters a woman’s body during sex: the virus is classified as a sexually transmitted infection.
There are hundreds of HPV strains. Some are low-risk and cause little more than genital warts—benign growths on the genitals, also known as anogenital warts. Other HPV strains are highly harmful, altering cervical cells in ways that make them malignant.
The risk of contracting a dangerous strain of HPV increases if a woman:
- has a weakened immune system—for example, due to HIV (AIDS), a recent organ transplant, or taking immunosuppressant medications;
- smokes;
- had or has multiple sexual partners;
- gave birth for the first time before the age of 16;
- started having sex before the age of 18.
How to recognize cervical dysplasia
Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid a doctor. Looking for symptoms of dysplasia is pointless: neither the presence of HPV nor the initial changes in cervical cells reveal anything. At least, until the abnormal elements become malignant and invade nearby tissue—that is, until cancer develops.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it typically takes 3 to 7 years for cervical cells to transform into cancer.
Dysplasia is usually detected during a routine gynecological examination. The doctor will perform a Pap smear (Pap test). If a woman has abnormal cells, the test will show them.
If your gynecologist detects abnormal results in your Pap smear, you may be advised to undergo additional tests. These are necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the degree of dysplasia. These may include:
- Colposcopy. This is the name of the procedure during which the doctor applies a vinegar solution to the cervix and then examines it using a special light and an instrument called a colposcope. This helps clearly see abnormal cells.
- Biopsy. The doctor will take a small sample of cervical tissue and send it to a lab for analysis.
Based on test results, dysplasia is classified as mild, moderate, or severe. The latter refers to cancer that has affected the surface cells of the cervix but has not yet spread deeper.
How to treat cervical dysplasia
It depends on the severity of the condition.
The mild form is generally not treated. This is because the body often clears the HPV infection on its own within about a year. However, a gynecologist may recommend a Pap test every 6–12 months to monitor changes in the number of abnormal growths.
In cases of moderate and severe dysplasia, dangerous cells are removed surgically or by other methods: cryosurgery, laser, electric current.
After such measures, dysplasia disappears, and the risk of cancer is typically reduced. However, HPV infection may later return.
How to prevent cervical dysplasia
The only reliable way to protect yourself from dysplasia is complete abstinence from sex. If this method seems too drastic, doctors recommend the following:
- Don’t have sex before you turn 18.
- Try to be monogamous. The more sexual partners you have, the higher your risk of contracting HPV.
- Use condoms, especially if you don’t fully trust your partner.
- Quit smoking.
- Talk to your gynecologist about the HPV vaccination. It’s recommended for ages 9 to 45. In Moscow, this vaccine is included in the regional vaccination schedule, and girls aged 12 and 13 can get it free of charge. In other regions, you’ll have to pay for the vaccination.
- Be sure to have regular gynecological examinations. Women aged 21–29 should have a Pap test every 3 years. Women 30–65 aged should have a Pap test every 5 years.
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