Cervical dysplasia is the abnormal appearance of cells on the surface of the cervix when they are looked at underneath a microscope. Although this is not cancer, it is considered a precancerous condition.

Dysplasia that is seen on a Pap smear is described using the term squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL). These changes may be graded as:

• Low-grade (LSIL)
• High-grade (HSIL)
• Possibly cancerous (malignant)

Dysplasia that is seen on a biopsy of the cervix uses the term cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and is grouped into three categories:

• CIN I -- mild dysplasia
• CIN II -- moderate to marked dysplasia
• CIN III -- severe dysplasia to carcinoma in situ

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

Most cases of cervical dysplasia occur in women ages 25 - 35, although it can develop at any age.

Almost all cases of cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that is spread through sexual contact. There are many different types of HPV. Some types lead to cervical dysplasia or cancer.

The following may increase your risk of cervical dysplasia:

• Becoming sexually active before age 18
• Giving birth before age 16
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Having other illnesses or using medications that suppress your immune system
• Smoking

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Review Date: 02/21/2010
Reviewed By: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, WA; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)