The term dysplasia refers to any type of abnormal physical development. It is most often used to refer to cellular abnormalities, which are often precancerous, but can also be used to describe a deformity of the hip joint. Although severe dysplasia can indicate any type of high-grade abnormality, it is often used as shorthand for severe cervical dysplasia, which can be a precursor to cervical cancer. Also known as carcinoma in situ Severe dysplasia is a condition in which the skin on the cervix is growing at an abnormally fast rate.
As a result of this abnormal growth, there is an increased number of immature skin cells present on the surface of the skin or the lining of the cervix. Although this rapid growth of cells takes place on the surface of the cervix, the chances of becoming invasive cancer are very high. This means that early detection and treatment are extremely important.
Severe dysplasia is one of three different types of cervical dysplasia currently identified in medical circles. Mild dysplasia, also known as CIN 1, is a condition in which there are relatively few immature skin cells, although more than is considered normal. Moderate dysplasia, or CIN 2, has a larger and more widely disbursed number of immature cells. The third category of severe dysplasia, or CIN 3, is the most serious category, as the number of immature cells is extremely high and is causing a noticeable change in the thickness of the superficial layer of the cervix.
One of the conditions that can trigger severe dysplasia is known as the human papillomavirus, or HPV. This virus can infect different types of epidermal layers, as well as the mucous membranes of the human body. HPV can pave the way for cancers in various parts of the body, including cervical cancer.
Screening for severe dysplasia involves the use of a Pap smear. The samples obtained during the smear can be analyzed to determine the presence and current status of dysplasia. This allows the doctor to take action before there is a chance that the proliferation of immature cells will begin to penetrate the surface of the cervix and pave the way for the development of cervical cancer.
In some cases, there may also be evidence of what is known as a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, or HGSIL. Such a lesion is also identified during the course of a Pap smear, and is an indication of the presence of moderate to severe dysplasia. While not an indicator that cancer is already present, these lesions indicate that conditions are rapidly approaching the point where cancer could develop.
When HGSIL is found, doctors usually order what is known as a colposcopy. This procedure involves the removal of tissue samples. In some cases, the dysplastic tissue is completely removed. In both scenarios, the removed tissue is sent for a biopsy, which makes it possible to confirm whether or not cancer is forming, and also to determine the current status of the dysplasia itself.
Additional treatments for severe dysplasia may include the use of cryotherapy, some form of cautery, or even laser surgery to remove excess skin cells. However, doctors rarely use any of these treatments if a woman is currently pregnant, for fear that they may have an adverse effect on the pregnancy. Instead, the condition is controlled and removal of the excess epidermal layer on the cervix is achieved sometime after delivery.