Dysplasia refers to abnormal physical development, often used to describe cellular abnormalities that can lead to cervical cancer. Severe dysplasia is a precursor to cervical cancer and can be triggered by human papillomavirus. Diagnosis involves a Pap smear and treatment may involve removing tissue samples or excess skin cells.
The term dysplasia refers to any type of abnormal physical development. It is most often used to refer to cellular abnormalities, which are often precancerous, but it can also be used to describe a deformation of the hip joint. Although severe dysplasia can mean any type of high-grade abnormality, it is often used as a shorthand for severe cervical dysplasia, which can be a precursor to cervical cancer. Also known as carcinoma in situ, this is a condition in which the skin of the cervix grows at an abnormally fast rate.
As a result of this abnormal growth, there is an increased amount of immature skin cells present on the skin surface or lining of the cervix. While this rapid cell growth occurs on the surface of the cervix, the chances of developing invasive cancer are very high. This means that early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important.
Severe dysplasia is one of three different types of cervical dysplasia currently identified in medical circles. Mild dysplasia, also known as CIN 1, is a condition in which there are relatively few immature skin cells, though more than considered normal. Moderate dysplasia, or CIN 2, has a higher and more widely distributed amount of immature cells. The third category of dysplasia, or CIN 3, is the most serious category, as the number of immature cells is extremely high and is causing a noticeable change in the thickness of the superficial layer of the cervix.
One of the conditions that can trigger severe dysplasia is known as human papillomavirus or HPV. This virus can infect different types of epidermal layers and mucous membranes in the human body. HPV can pave the way for cancers in different parts of the body, including cervical cancer.
Detecting this condition involves the use of a Pap smear. The samples obtained during the smear can be analyzed to determine the presence and current status of dysplasia. This allows the doctor to act before there is a chance that the proliferation of immature cells begins to penetrate the surface of the cervix and pave the way for the development of cervical cancer.
In some cases, there may also be evidence of what is known as a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, or HGSIL. A lesion of this type is also identified in the course of a Pap smear, and indicates the presence of moderate to severe dysplasia. While not an indicator that cancer is already present, these lesions indicate that conditions are rapidly approaching the point where cancer could develop.
When HGSIL is found, doctors usually order a so-called colposcopy. This procedure involves removing tissue samples. In some cases, the dysplastic tissue is completely removed. In both scenarios, the tissue taken is biopsied, making it possible to confirm whether or not a tumor is forming, as well as to determine the current status of the dysplasia itself.
Additional treatments for severe dysplasia may involve the use of cryotherapy, some type of cautery, or even laser surgery to remove excess skin cells. Doctors rarely use any of these treatments if the woman is currently pregnant, fearing they could have a negative effect on the pregnancy. Instead, the condition is monitored and removal of the excess epidermal layer on the cervix is done at some point after delivery.
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