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Cervical dysplasia affects between 250,000 and one million women throughout the United States every year. While the condition can develop at any age, it’s most often seen in women 25-35 years of age.
Cervical dysplasia always occurs along with HPV, which can increase your risk for cervical cancer, but with early detection and effective treatment at MAIA in Downers Grove, we can completely remove the cervical dysplasia and treat the HPV.
What is Cervical Dysplasia?
Cervical dysplasia is a condition where abnormal cells form on the surface of the cervix (the opening of the uterus). HPV (human papillomavirus) goes hand in hand with cervical dysplasia. If you have cervical dysplasia, you also have HPV.
While these abnormal cells are not cancer, they could lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. That’s why early detection is key.
There are several different classifications of cervical dysplasia. The classifications are made on a scale of 1-3:
- CIN 1: Abnormal cells affecting about one-third of the thickness of the epithelium.
- CIN 2: Abnormal cells affecting about one-third to two-thirds of the epithelium.
- CIN 3: Abnormal cells affecting more than two-thirds of the epithelium.
CIN 1 may simply need monitoring, while CIN 2 and 3 typically require treatment to help prevent the cells from becoming cancerous.
What Causes Cervical Dysplasia?
Cervical dysplasia is typically caused by HPV and can develop at any age. As HPV is most commonly spread through sexual contact, cervical dysplasia often develops in those who are sexually active.
Some of the risk factors that increase the risk for cervical dysplasia:
- Having sex before the age of 18
- Having a baby at a very young age
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Having other illnesses like tuberculosis or HIV
- Using medicines that suppress your immune system
- Smoking
- Maternal history of exposure to DES (diethylstilbestrol)
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Diagnosing Cervical Dysplasia
Cervical dysplasia and HPV are most often diagnosed during a routine Pap smear. The Pap smear results will show abnormal cells or be unclear, and from that stage, we’ll perform a colposcopy to examine the cervix. During this procedure, Dr. Wolowick or Dr. Mitchell will use a colposcope to look more closely at the abnormal cells on the cervix. They may also take a biopsy for further testing. At that point, they will diagnose cervical dysplasia and HPV.
Cervical Dysplasia Treatment Options
There are quite a few treatment options available for cervical dysplasia. Which one is right for you depends on your medical history and how severe the dysplasia is. CIN I cervical dysplasia may go away on its own and may simply need to be monitored.
If the abnormal cells persist or if the disease is at the CIN 2 or 3 stage, treatment is necessary.
Your options include cryosurgery, which uses intense cold to freeze and remove the abnormal cells; laser therapy, which burns away the abnormal tissues; LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure), which uses a wire with an electrical current to remove the cells; or a cone biopsy, which surgically removes the abnormal cells.
In very severe cases, a hysterectomy may be needed. With a hysterectomy, we remove the entire uterus.
Schedule A Consultation
Receive the care and cervical dysplasia treatment you need at MAIA! Dr. Wolowick and Dr. Mitchell will ensure you’re comfortable and cared for. With years of experience as a board-certified gynecologists, you could not be in better hands. We happily serve the Chicago, Aurora, Downers Grove, and Naperville, IL areas.
Take the first step and schedule a consultation today. Call our Downers Grove, IL office at 630-320-6703 or fill out our online contact form.
