Cervical Dysplasia
Medical Author:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Cervical Dysplasia OverviewCervical dysplasia refers to the presence of precancerous changes of the cells that make up the inner lining of the cervix, the opening to the womb (uterus). These changes are detected by microscopic analysis of cell samples taken from the cervix during a pelvic exam (such as from a Pap smear). Squamous intraepithelial lesion is the pathology term used to refer to cervical dysplasia observed in smears of cells taken from the cervix. Squamous refers to the type of cells lining the cervix; intraepithelial refers to the fact that these cells are present in the lining tissue of the cervix. When cervical dysplasia is seen in a biopsy of tissue rather than a cell smear, it is referred to as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Cervical Dysplasia CausesCervical dysplasia is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common infection that is transmitted through sexual contact. In fact, over 75% of sexually active women are thought to become infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Most new HPV infections occur in young (ages 15-25) women. Most HPV infections do not produce any symptoms and resolve spontaneously. Some HPV infections persist over time rather than resolve, although the reason why this happens is not clear. Persistent HPV infection may lead to the development of genital warts, precancerous changes (cervical dysplasia) of the uterine cervix, as well as cervical cancer. Since not all women who have HPV infection develop cancer, additional factors must also be important in the cause of cervical dysplasia and cancer. Certain HPV types typically cause genital warts or mild dysplasia ("low-risk" types; HPV-6, HPV-11), while other types (known as "high-risk" HPV types) are more strongly associated with severe dysplasia and cervical cancer (HPV-16, HPV-18). Since HPV infections are transmitted primarily by sexual contact, the risk of infection increases with the number of sexual partners as person has. Cigarette smoking and suppression of the immune system (such as with HIV infection) are also known to increase the risk for HPV-induced dysplasia and cancer. Viewer Comments & ReviewsCervical Dysplasia - Describe Your ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Please describe your experience with Cervical Dysplasia. Cervical Dysplasia - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What treatment did you receive for your cervical dysplasia? |
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Cervical Dysplasia
Birth Control Barrier Methods »
Birth Control Barrier Methods Introduction
The practice of birth control or preventing pregnancy is as old as human existence. For centuries, humans have relied upon their imagination to avoid pregnancy.
- Ancient writings dating back to 1850 BC refer to techniques using a device placed in a womans vagina made of crocodile dung and fermented dough, which most likely created a hostile environment for sperm. Other items placed in the vagina included plugs of gum, honey, and acacia.
- During the early second century in Rome, a highly acidic concoction of fruits, nuts, and wool was placed on the cervix as a type of spermicidal barrier.
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