Sexual Health Buzz

What are abnormal cervical cells?

Abnormal cervical cells (also called cervical dysplasia) are cells in the lining of the cervix that have changed in appearance.

The more severe the cervical abnormality, the more likely it is that cervical cancer cold develop in the future. Most often this can take a number of years, although in rare cases it can happen within a year.

What causes abnormal cervical cells?

Abnormal cervical cells may have a number of different causes, such as an infection or inflammation, but are commonly caused by certain type of HPV (human papillomavirus).

How do I know if I have abnormal cervical cells?

The usual way to detect abnormal cervical cells is through a Pap test. You may have additional testing, such as repeat Pap testing, HPV DNA testing, colposcopy, and possible biopsy.

An abnormal biopsy result may be reported as CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia). The term CIN, along with a number (1 to 3), describes how much of the thickness of the lining of the cervix contains abnormal cells. A diagnosis of CIN 3 means there are severely abnormal cervical cells through the entire thickness of the lining of the cervix.

How are abnormal cervical cells treated?

Most abnormal cervical cells in the lining of the cervix will eventually go away on their own. If the abnormalities are mild, the healthcare professional may choose to closely monitor them. If the abnormalities are more severe, removing these cells can almost always prevent cervical cancer from developing in the future.

Methods commonly used to treat abnormal cervical cells include freezing, removing them using an electrical instrument, and conventional surgery. The treatment may have to be repeated if the abnormal cells reappear.

* These facts do not cover everything there is to know about abnormal cervical cells. Talk to your healthcare professional or visit HPV.com for more information.

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