Detecting Cervical Dysplasia
Testing for cervical dysplasia, or abnormal cellular growth in the cervix, is key in preventing cervical cancer. Learn more about the different types of cervical dysplasia and how to test for abnormal cellular growth in the cervix.
Transcript: Detecting Cervical Dysplasia
A healthy Female Reproductive System
The uterus is the central organ of a woman's reproductive system. This hollow, muscular chamber houses and protects a developing fetus during pregnancy. The entrance to the uterus, called the cervix, is a muscular canal located inside the vagina.What Is Abnormal Cellular Growth?
The exterior of the cervix is continuous with the vagina and is lined with flat, or squamous cells, whereas the interior of the cervix is lined with tall or columnar cells. At the junction of these two cell types, the squamo-columnar junction, abnormal cellular growth, or cervical dysplasia, can occur.Small Abnormal Cellular Growth
In mild dysplasia, or CIN I, only a few cells may be abnormal. However, when about 1/2 of the thickness of the cervical lining is affected the dysplasia is called moderate or CIN II.Severe Cervical Dysplasia
Dysplasia becomes severe, or CIN III, when the full thickness of the cervix has abnormal cells. This condition is called carcinoma-in-situ and if left untreated can progress into invasive cervical cancer.Getting a Pap Smear
During a Pap smear, which tests for cervical dysplasia, a small sample of cells are scraped from the surface of the cervix. If abnormal cells are detected on analysis of the cells, a culposcopy will be performed.
Getting a Culposcopy
During culposcopy the cervix is examined with a magnifying lens and small samples of tissue are biopsied for further pathologic evaluation.
Treating Cervical Dysplasia
There are several methods for treating cervical dysplasia, depending on the severity.
Detecting Abnormal Cellular Growth
Since early detection is key to the prevention of cervical cancer, all women should have Pap smears performed on a yearly basis, or according to their doctor's recommendation depending on the woman's age and medical history.Copyrighted animations provided by Blausen Medical
