Gynecology General Gynecology

Cervical dysplasia Wikipedia

Cervical dysplasia refers to a medical condition of the cervix in which squamous cells on the surface of the cervix undergo a premalignant transformation. This abnormal growth (dysplasia) may lead to the development of cervical cancer if left untreated. Cervical dysplasia can be diagnosed by a biopsy of the cervix. An abnormal Pap smear may lead to a recommendation for colposcopy of the cervix during which the cervix is examined under magnification. A biopsy of the cervix is taken of any abnormal appearing areas.

Cervical dysplasia appears to arise from a chronic infection of the cervix by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This is the same virus that causes the common wart. There are approximately 100 strains of HPV. Ten of these strains appear to cause cervical dysplasia and lead to the development of cervical cancer.

Cervical dysplasia is curable although the lifetime recurrence rate is 20%. Methods used to cure cervical dysplasia require destruction of the surface cells of the cervix. These methods include cryocautery, electrocautery, laser cautery, LEEP, and cervical conization.

Category:Gynecology