Cervical Dysplasia
It is a type of precancerous condition in which abnormal cell growth occurs in the surface lining of the cervix, or in the opening of the uterus and vagina. It mainly occurs in younger women aged between 25-45.
If we talk about any signs or symptoms of cervical dysplasia, there are no as such symptoms to be found, although abnormal bleeding may occur.
What causes Cervical dysplasia?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – sexually transmitted virus, which is known to be a common cause of cervical dysplasia. It is usually passed from person to person during sexual contact such as vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse or oral sex.
Major risk factors of Cervical dysplasia:
Persistent HPV infection can increase the risk of developing cervical dysplasia. There are few other risk factors which also contribute in developing Cervical Dysplasia:
- Having multiple sex partners
- Having sex before the age of 18
- Having sex with an uncircumcised man
Prevention
- Avoid multiple sexual partners and Early initiation of sexual activities
- Practice safe sex with condom
- Consider the HPV vaccine if you are between the ages of 10 and 20
- Avoid smoking cigarettes
Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical Dysplasia
Patients with the risk of developing cervical dysplasia require follow-up testing such as:
- Pap test
- Endocervical curettage- It is a method to check the abnormal cells in the cervical canal.
- HPV DNA test- helps to identify the HPV strains
The treatment of Cervical Dysplasia depends on various factors such as, including the age of an individual, severity of the condition and also with the patient’s preferences.
Paras Hospital is known to be the leading hospital for treatment of such disorders, they include two of the treatment methods which are also used for diagnosis: Cone biopsy or LEEP.
Other major treatment options include:
- Laser surgery
- Electrocauterization
- Cryosurgery (freezing)
Specialists from Paras Hospital suggests that a patient should have follow-up testings for at least 10-12 months after the treatment also. Although, Dysplasia is caught early because of regular Pap tests. But if no treatment is given, then the situation may get worse, which may also turn into cancer.
