Cervical dysplasia

Alternative names:

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

Symptoms:

There are usually no symptoms.

Signs and tests:

A pelvic examination is usually normal.

• A Pap smear shows mild, moderate, marked, or severe dysplasia.
• A colposcopy reveals "white epithelium" or mosaic-like patterns on the cervical surface which are caused by changes in the surface capillaries.
• A colposcopy-directed biopsy confirms dysplasia and the extent of cervical involvement.
• An endocervical curettage (see D&C) should be done to rule out invasive cancer.
• A cone biopsy may be necessary to rule out invasive cancer.