Cervical dysplasia

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Cervical dysplasia - series

Cervical neoplasia

Female reproductive anatomy

Uterus

Cervical dysplasia is the abnormal growth of cells on the surface of the cervix. Although this is not cancer, this is considered a pre-cancerous condition. Depending on the extent of changes, the condition is further categorized as:

• CIN I -- mild dysplasia (a few cells are abnormal)
• CIN II -- moderate to marked dysplasia
• CIN III -- severe dysplasia to carcinoma-in-situ (cancer confined to the surface layer of the cervix)

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN); Precancerous changes of the cervix

Less than 5% of all Pap smear test results find cervical dysplasia. While the cause is unknown, a number of risk factors have been identified. Most cases occur in women aged 25 to 35.

Other risk factors include:

• Multiple sexual partners
• Starting sexual activity before age 18
• Having children before age 16
• DES exposure
• Having had sexually transmitted diseases, especially HPV (genital warts) or HIV infection

Review Date: 06/15/2005
Reviewed By: Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.