Cervical Dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia, also named cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), is an abnormal growth of the epithelial tissue on the surface of the cervix. There are three types of cervical dysplasia specified as: Mild dysplasia – CINI, in which the abnormal cells involve only 25% of the thickness of the skin overlying the cervix, Moderate dysplasia -- CIN II in which the abnormal cells involve 50% of the thickness of the skin; and Severe dysplasia -- CIN III, the involvement of the skin with abnormal cells is almost complete, Mild dysplasia is by far the most common, and it generally represents a tissue response to the HPV virus. Up to 70% of women with mild dysplasia will have the cells that normalize without any treatment. However, even mild dysplasia can progress to more significant disease and it can be the first step towards cervical cancer. Moderate and severe dysplasias have higher rates of turning into cancer, and have to be treated. Approximately 600,000 American women are diagnosed with cervical dysplasia annually, compared with only 13,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer. Dysplasia can occur at any age from puberty onward. It's usually found in women between the ages of 25 and 35, and the highest rates of cervical dysplasia are found among people from African American, Native American, and Hispanic background. .

There are usually no symptoms, and the condition can only be recognized through an abnormal PAP smear. It is regarded as a pre-cancerous lesion that may lead to cervical cancer.

To reduce the possibility of developing cervical dysplasia, deferring sexual activity until 18 years of age or older, practicing monogamy, and safer sex behaviors need to be considered.

The exact cause of cervical dysplasia is not known, but a number of different factors have been identified. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), unprotected sex, early pregnancy, and smoking are factors that increase the risk of developing cervical dysplasia. HPV, commonly known as the wart virus, is one of the most frequent causes of cervical dysplasia. There are over 60 types of HPV that have been identified. Types 6 and 11 can cause warts on men and women's bottoms (genital warts). Types 16, 18, 31, 33, and 35 may not cause warts but can cause changes to the cells of the vagina or cervix, such as dysplasia. People are affected by HPV through sexual contact. Contraction of the disease cannot be controlled through the use of condoms as HPV is found on all the genital tissues. The virus can lay dormant on the cervix for 20 years before it causes warts or changes to the cells. In addition, cigarette smoking has been found to cause cervical dysplasia. Women who smoke concentrate nicotine into their cervix, which harms the cells. Men also concentrate these chemicals into their genital secretions, and can bathe the cervix with these chemicals during intercourse. Some nutritional deficiencies also can cause cervical dysplasia. The National Cancer Institute recommends that women consume five servings of fresh vegetables or fruits each day to prevent cervical dysplasia.

Cervical dysplasia is a premalignant or precancerous change to the cells of your cervix. There are three types of cervical dysplasia: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild dysplasia is by far the most common, and probably is not a true premalignant disease. Mild dysplasia generally represents a tissue response to the HPV virus. Up to 70% of women with mild dysplasia will have the cells become normal without any treatment. However, even mild dysplasia can progress to more significant disease. Moderate and severe dysplasia are treated when they are discovered, because of their higher rates of turning into cancer. Only one person in 100 with HPV will exhibit any warts. The PAP smear often detects HPV. Even if HPV is not noted on the PAP smear, it is 80% to 90% certain that you have the virus if you have been diagnosed with any type of cervical dysplasia.

Follow a cancer preventive macrobiotic diet. Increase fresh fruits and vegetables and complex carbohydrates and avoid red meat and poultry foods.

Eliminate smoking from your life the use of oral contraceptives and multiple sexual partners.

High risk life style must be eliminated for there to be a permanent improvement and prevention of further invasive lesions.