Cervical dysplasia - Treatment

Alternative Names

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN); Precancerous changes of the cervix

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the degree of dysplasia. Mild dysplasia may go away on its own . You may only need careful observation by your doctor with repeat Pap smears every 3 to 6 months.

Treatment for moderate to severe dysplasia or dysplasia that does not go away may include:

Cryosurgery
Electrocauterization
Laser vaporization to destroy the abnormal tissue
Surgery to remove the abnormal tissue

Women with dysplasia need consistent follow-up, usually every 3 to 6 months or as recommended by their provider.

Expectations (prognosis):

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment cures nearly all cases of cervical dysplasia.

Without treatment, 30-50% of cases of severe cervical dysplasia may lead to invasive cancer. The risk of cancer is lower for mild dysplasia.

Complications:

The condition may return.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are a woman who is sexually active or aged 20 or older and you have never had a pelvic examination and Pap smear.

See: Physical exam frequency

Female reproductive anatomy

Cervical neoplasia

Uterus

Cervical dysplasia - series

Reviewed last on: 5/26/2008
Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Noller KL. Intraepithelial Neoplasia of the Lower Genital Tract (Cervix, Vulva) : Etiology, Screening, Diagnostic Techniques, Management. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007: chap. 28.

Wright TC Jr, Cox JT, Massad LS, Twiggs LB, Wilkinson EJ; ASCCP-Sponsored Consensus Conference. 2001 Consensus Guidelines for the management of women with cervical cytological abnormalities. JAMA. 2002 Apr 24;287(16):2120-9. Review.

Hoffman MS, Martino MA. 2001 consensus guidelines for the management of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Sep;191(3):1049

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