Cervical dysplasia is precancerous change in the lining cells of the cervix of the uterus. The condition is caused by infection with infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV). However, certain other factors are also known to play a role in contracting this disease. HPV infection is common in the general population. The presence of cervical dysplasia does not mean you have cervical cancer. But the cells could lead to cancer if they are not treated.
There are typically no symptoms of cervical dysplasia. Occasionally, abnormal bleeding may occur. However, in the absence of symptoms, the cell changes are invisible to the naked eye and are usually found during a regular Pap test.
HPV is usually passed from person to person during sexual contact such as vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, or oral sex. But it also can be transmitted by any skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Once established, the virus is capable of spreading from one part of the body to another, including the cervix. In most cases, the immune system eliminates HPV and clears the infection. But in some women, the infection persists and leads to cervical dysplasia.
The treatment of cervical dysplasia depends on many different factors, including the severity of the condition and the age of the patient. For mild cervical dysplasia, often only continued monitoring with repeat Pap tests is needed. For older women with mild cervical dysplasia, usually no treatment is needed unless mild cervical dysplasia has persisted for two years, progressed to moderate or severe cervical dysplasia, or there are other medical problems.
The procedures used for the treatment of cervical dysplasia include – cryosurgery, laser surgery, and electrocauterization.
