Cervical Dysplasia Symptoms & Treatment in Van Nuys, CA
Cervical dysplasia, also known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), is a medical condition which causes abnormal cell growth on the lining of the cervix (a neck-like passage that connects the vagina and uterus). Developing at any age in a woman's lifetime, cervical dysplasia is most often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) (one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections).
Considered precancerous, left untreated, cervical dysplasia can lead to cancer of the cervix . To schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider in Van Nuys that can diagnose and treat your cervical dysplasia, call (424) 365-1800 or contact Dr. Jeremy Fischer online.
Cervical Dysplasia Symptoms & Diagnosis
Typically, women do not experience cervical dysplasia symptoms; rather, the condition is most often discovered during a routine pap test. If women are experiencing symptoms in the vaginal region, it is most often due to an accompanying infection.
If your pap test reveals abnormalities, your healthcare may recommend further diagnostic tests to confirm a cervical dysplasia diagnosis such as:
- HPV Test: To confirm the existence of the HPV, a simple swab is taken to check for the presence of the virus. Your healthcare provider may regularly recommend this test alongside your pap test if you are over the age of 30.
- Colposcopy: As an exam which allows your healthcare provider to take a magnified look at the cervix, a colposcopy is also utilized in order to take a biopsy of cervical cells to perform further testing.
Cervical Dysplasia Stages
Depending on the extent of abnormal cells in the cervix, your healthcare provider will diagnose you with 1 of 3 cervical dysplasia stages:
- CIN 1 (mild dysplasia): Considered a low-grade lesion, CIN 1 refers to dysplasia confined to one-third of the thickness of the cervical lining.
- CIN 2 (moderate dysplasia): Considered a high-grade lesion, CIN 2 signifies approximately two-thirds of the cervical cells are abnormal.
- CIN 3 (severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ): Also considered a high-grade lesion, CIN 3 indicates more than two-thirds of cervical cells are impacted.
Cervical Dysplasia Treatment
Treatment for cervical dysplasia will vary depending on the severity of your condition. Often, mild cervical dysplasia requires no treatment, as the condition can resolve itself. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend more frequent pap tests to monitor the abnormal cells.
If you are diagnosed with CIN 2 or CIN 3, or CIN 1 has persisted, your cervical dysplasia treatment may include:
- Laser therapy: A focused beam of light destroys abnormal cells
- Cryosurgery: A probe freezes and destroys abnormal cells
- Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): A wire loop with an electric current removes abnormal cells
- Cone biopsy: A cone-shaped portion of the cervix is surgically removed; this is usually only recommended when your healthcare provider cannot get a complete view of the area during a colposcopy
- Hysterectomy: Used in rare instances, the uterus and cervix are surgically removed
Cervical dysplasia is estimated to affect up to 1 million women in the U.S. alone, particularly between the ages of 25 and 35. As an asymptomatic but potentially life-threatening condition, it is critical that all women undergo routine gynecological testing to detect the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix and to check for HPV. Your healthcare provider can also recommend preventative strategies such as the HPV vaccine and safe sex practices to reduce your risk of developing both HPV and cervical dysplasia.
Meet with a healthcare provider in Van Nuys! Call (424) 365-1800 or contact Dr. Jeremy Fischer online.
Vitality Integrative Medicine
Address
4849 Van Nuys BlvdSuite 104
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(424) 365-1800
www.vitalityintegrative.com
Hours
Mon:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tue:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wed:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thu:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Fri:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm