Cervical dysplasia

Alternative names:

cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN); precancerous changes of the cervix

Definition:

The abnormal growth of the epithelial tissue on the surface of the cervix. It refers to a spectrum or continuum of changes specified as: CIN I--mild dysplasia; CIN II--moderate to marked dysplasia; and CIN III--severe dysplasia to carcinoma-in-situ (cancer localized to the intraepithelial tissue/superficial layer of the cervix).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause is unknown; however, a number of predisposing factors (noted with risk factors) have been identified. Less than 5% of all Pap smear tests conducted note cervical dysplasia. It may occur in women 15 years and older, with the peak incidence in women aged 25 to 35. Increased risk is associated with: multiple sexual partners, early onset of sexual activity (less than 18 years old), early childbearing (less than 16 years), and past medical history of DES exposure, or sexually transmitted diseases, especially HPV (genital warts), genital herpes, or HIV infection.