Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) are abnormal growths in the cervix that can be detected by Pap smear tests. LSIL is associated with HPV infection and can progress to high-grade lesions and invasive cancer. Treatment includes cryotherapy or removal of the affected area.
Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LGSIL or LSIL) are abnormal growths in the superficial layer of the cervix, particularly in the transformation zone. They can be detected by the Papanicolaou Pap smear test, which checks for changes in the cells of the cervix and increases changes in the early detection of malignancy. Since the introduction of the Pap smear in the mid-20th century, cases of cervical cancer have been declining, although it remains a leading cause of death among women in developing countries.
Samples taken from a Pap smear are examined under a microscope. The examiner looks for a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion characterized by dysplasia. It is important to discover precancerous lesions because they can be treated to prevent progression to full-blown cancer. The Bethesda system classifies precancerous cervical cells into low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). If not properly managed, approximately 20% of low-grade lesions can progress to their high-grade counterparts, and 1% of these become invasive cancers.
Dysplasia is a term that refers to the lack of uniformity between cells of the same origin and the loss of their architectural orientation. In cervical dysplasia, cell nuclei appear hyperchromatic or denser than normal and are markedly large relative to cell size. Dysplastic cells look different from nearby normal cells. They exhibit pleomorphism, which simply means that they have variable shapes.
The occurrence of a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. According to studies, the risk of LSIL and HSIL depends on exposure to high-risk human papillomaviruses. The subtypes, considered low-risk, are HPV 6 and 11, while those considered high-risk are HPV 16 and 18. Like other HPV variants, these viruses are transferred through sexual contact. Having multiple sexual partners, being very young at first sexual contact, being in the lowest socioeconomic strata, and having persistent infection with high-risk HPV subtypes are considered major risk factors for LSIL and HSIL formation.
To provide a definitive diagnosis of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, the cervix is viewed under a microscope using a method called colposcopy. A biopsy may be performed to rule out the possibility of malignancy. The goal of LSIL treatment is to kill the abnormal cells on the cervical surface. Cryotherapy, which is the application of very low temperatures to the cervical surface, is often performed. When the abnormal cells are spread over a large area, the entire area can be removed to reduce the risk of cancer.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
