What is cervical dysplasia and how to get rid of it

What is cervical dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia is an abnormal change in the cells lining the surface of the cervix

Cervical dysplasia is an abnormal change in the Cervical Dysplasia: Kimmel Cancer Center of the cells that line the surface of the cervix (the narrow canal that connects the organ and the vagina).

In the USA alone, from 250 thousand to one million Cervical Dysplasia: Kimmel Cancer Center cases of dysplasia are annually recorded. Most often, this condition occurs in women 25–35 years old.

By themselves, such modified cells are not dangerous and, in general, do not cause discomfort to a woman. But there is a nuance.

Why is cervical dysplasia dangerous?

Due to abnormal cells, the cervix loses some of its protective properties. As a result, the human papillomavirus (HPV) more easily penetrates it. But this infection is already dangerous: the multiplied HPV becomes Cervical Dysplasia - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf the cause of at least 90% of cases of cervical cancer.

Where does cervical dysplasia come from?

Cervical Dysplasia is considered the culprit of dysplasia: the Kimmel Cancer Center is the same human papillomavirus. By modifying the cells, he creates a platform for himself for a massive invasion.

HPV enters the female body during sex: the virus is a sexually transmitted infection.

There are hundreds of strains of HPV. Some of them are at low risk and only cause genital warts - these benign formations on the genitals are also called anogenital warts. Other HPVs are very harmful: they alter the cells of the cervix so that they become cancerous.

The risk of contracting a dangerous HPV strain increases with Cervical Dysplasia if a woman:

has a weakened immune system - for example, due to HIV (AIDS), a recent organ transplant, or taking immunosuppressive medications;
smokes;
had or has several sexual partners;
gave birth for the first time before the age of 16;
started having sex before the age of 18.

How to recognize cervical dysplasia

Unfortunately, there is no way without a doctor. It is pointless to look for symptoms of dysplasia in yourself: neither the penetration of HPV, nor the beginning of the change in the cells of the cervix, do not give out in any way Cervical Dysplasia: Kimmel Cancer Center. At least until the abnormal elements become cancerous and invade nearby tissues - that is, until cancer occurs.

According to the Cervical Cancer Screening of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it usually takes 3 to 7 years for mutated cells to become cancerous.

As a rule, dysplasia is detected during a routine examination by a gynecologist. The doctor will definitely take a so-called Pap smear (Pap test) from you. If a woman has abnormal cells, research will show it.

Having found deviations in the smear results, the gynecologist will offer you additional examinations. They are needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the degree of dysplasia. It can be:

Colposcopy. This is the name of the procedure during which the doctor will apply a vinegar solution to the cervix, and then conduct an examination using a special light and a device called a colposcope. This will help you to clearly see the abnormal cells.
Biopsy. The doctor will take a small sample of cervical tissue and send it to a laboratory for analysis.

According to research results, dysplasia is classified as mild, moderate or severe. In the latter case, we are talking about a cancer that has affected the surface cells of the cervix, but has not yet spread deeper.

How to treat cervical dysplasia

It depends on the severity of the condition.

Mild variant usually not treated. Cervical dysplasia: Is it cancer? - Mayo Clinic. For the reason that often the body gets rid of HPV infection on its own for about a year. However, the gynecologist may recommend that Cervical Dysplasia have a Pap test every 6–12 months to track how the number of abnormalities is changing.

With moderate and severe dysplasia, dangerous cells are removed - by surgery or by other means: cryosurgery, laser, electric current.

Usually, after such measures, dysplasia disappears, and the risk of cancer is sharply reduced. But later, the HPV infection may come back.

How to prevent cervical dysplasia

The only reliable way to insure yourself against dysplasia is complete abstinence. If this method seems too categorical to you, doctors advise Cervical Dysplasia to do this:

Don't have sex before you turn 18.
Try to be monogamous. The more sexual partners you have, the higher your risk of contracting HPV.
Use condoms. Especially if you cannot fully trust your partner.
Stop smoking.
Talk to your gynecologist about HPV vaccinations. The vaccine is recommended between the ages of 9 and 45. In Moscow, this vaccine is included. Depzdrav will buy twice as many vaccines against human papillomavirus in the regional calendar of preventive vaccinations and girls 12-13 years old can get it for free. In other regions, you will have to pay for the vaccine.
Be sure to undergo routine examinations with a gynecologist. Women aged 21-29 must have a Pap test every 3 years Cervical Cancer Screening. 30–65 year olds - every 5 years.