Cervical Dysplasia
Alternate Names : Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN), Precancerous Changes of the Cervix
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Many times, cervical dysplasia can be stopped in its early stage by early
detection. Cervical dysplasia can be detected by a pelvic examination that includes a Pap smear. Women should start to
have Pap smears and pelvic exams when they reach the age of 16 or as soon as
they become sexually active.
A woman can lower her risk for developing cervical dysplasia by taking the following steps:
quitting smoking
waiting to have intercourse until age 18 to 20
having only a few sexual partners in a lifetime
using latex condoms and practicing safer sex with each sexual encounter
A woman should ask her sexual partners about their sexual histories,
so that those who seem to be high-risk can be avoided.
Identification of early warning signs of cervical
dysplasia and cervical cancer is also important. A woman should see her
healthcare provider and may need to be treated if she has any of the following signs or symptoms:
vaginal discharge that does not seem normal
vaginal bleeding between
periods
bleeding with intercourse
painful intercourse, known as
dyspareunia
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
With early detection, treatment, and close follow-up care, nearly all cervical
dysplasia can be cured. If untreated, the mild to moderate stages of dysplasia
often grow more severe. Up to 30% to 50% of carcinoma in situ, or CIS, cases
progress to invasive cancer of the
cervix.
What are the risks to others?
Cervical dysplasia is not contagious and does not pose a risk to others.
Sexually transmitted
diseases
associated with cervical dysplasia, such as chlamydia and
human papilloma virus, are contagious.
|
Previous section
