Doctor's Notes on Cervical Dysplasia
Cervical dysplasia is a precancerous condition in women that appear in cells (cells appear abnormal) that compose the lining of the cervix. There are no signs and symptoms for this condition. It is recognized when a PAP smear is done during cancer screening.
Cervical dysplasia can be caused by infection of the cells with the human papillomavirus (HPV). It raises the risk to develop cancer. A vaccine against HPV is available to help prevent infections.
What Are the Treatments for Cervical Dysplasia?
Mild dysplasias may require no treatments; the dysplasia may resolve without any intervention. However, your doctor may recommend that you follow up yearly with testing (PAP test) to see if it's progressing or stable. However, moderate and severe cervical dysplasia often require treatments that include removing or killing abnormal cervical tissue:
- Cryosurgery freezes off cervical tissue.
- Laser kills cervical tissue.
- Scalpel removes cervical tissue by cutting it out.
- LEEP electrically burns off tissue.
- Hysterectomy (infrequently done) surgically removes the uterus with cervix.
You and your doctors can decide the best that address your individual problems.
Must Read Articles:
-
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer can be cured if it is detected and treated early. Risk factors for cervical cancer include HPV infection, smoking, oral contraceptive use, and having a weakened immune system. Treatment for cervical cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. -
Condoms and STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
In addition to helping prevent pregnancy, male condoms -- either latex or vinyl -- can help protect against a number of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They include HIV-AIDS, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and some genital ulcer diseases. -
Genital Warts (HPV Infection)
Genital warts (HPV) are growths in the genital area of both men and women. Genital warts are contagious and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Symptoms of genital warts may be none, to painless bumps, itching, and/or a discharge. There is no single effective cure for genital warts. Treatments and medication may decrease the size of the warts or temporarily remove them. -
Pap Smear Test
A Pap smear test can detect certain viral infections that are known to cause cervical cancer. There are few risks during a Pap smear procedure. Types of abnormal Pap test results include atypical squamous cells; atypical grandular cells; endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ; low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion; high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Pap smear is recommended even for women in menopause or who are postmenopausal. -
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States. STDs can be spread through any type of sexual activity involving the sex organs, the anus or mouth, or through contact with blood during sexual activity. Examples of STDs include, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis, genital herpes, genital warts, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis, pubic lice (crabs), and scabies.Treatment is generally with antibiotics; however, some STDs that go untreated can lead to death. -
STDs in Men
Learn about the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in men including genital herpes, syphilis, HPV, scabies, crabs, chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, hepatitis, and chancroid.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.