Cervical Dysplasia

Pre-cancer of the cervix is an abnormal growth of cells on the cervix (the mouth of the womb). If not treated, some of these cell growths may become cancer. Because of improved screening tests, cancer of the cervix is becoming less common in the United States.

There are no signs or symptoms related to early cervical cancer, so a pelvic exam of the female sex organs is needed to test your cervix. During this exam, cells are gently scraped from the cervix and later examined under a microscope. This is the basic Pap smear. Although not perfect, it is a good screening tool for cancer and precancer of the cervix. A Pap smear is suggested for all sexually active women or by age 18. It should be repeated every one to three years based upon individual risk.

Women at greater risk for pre-cancers include those who:

• had sex before the age of 18

• have more than two sex partners

• smoke cigarettes

• do not use barrier birth control (such as condoms or a diaphragm)

• have a history of herpes, genital warts, or HIV or

• have had limited access to healthcare

Precancer cells can slowly grow into cancer over several years. If you have an abnormal Pap smear, you may be scheduled for a repeat Pap smear or colposcopy in a few months. A colposcopy is a close exam of your cervix with a special microscope. Samples will be taken of the areas that look abnormal. Examination of the samples will determine if more treatment is needed.

Treating a pre-cancer after sampling may include:

• waiting and watching with no treatment and more frequent Pap smears

• getting rid of the pre-cancer cells by laser or freezing or

• removing the pre-cancer cells with surgery

Cervical cancer can be prevented, if you follow through with regular Pap smear examinations.

Consult the UI Health Care Cancer Information Service for more information about this topic.

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