Cervical dysplasia is a precancerous condition in which abnormal cells cover the inside of the cervix, that is, the gap between the uterus and the vagina.
This pathology is closely related to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact. Most often, cervical dysplasia is diagnosed in women after 30 years of age. But, in no case its detection at any age is possible.
There are different degrees of disease, which are determined by the severity of dysplasia:
- 1 degree - mild cervical dysplasia. Only the surface layer of the cervix epithelium is affected;
- 2 degree - moderate. Changes also affect the middle layer of the epithelium;
- 3 degree - severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ .
In this article we will talk about the most favorable form of dysplasia, which is treatable - dysplasia of the cervix of the 1st degree (synonyms: mild dysplasia, mild dysplasia).
Cervical dysplasia - causes
As we noted above, most often the cause of cervical dysplasia is HPV. There are many varieties of this virus, and infection with 16 and 18 types in 70% of cases leads to cancer.
But we want to please you - if the doctor has found a dysplasia of the cervix of the 1st degree - the process is reversible, and with properly selected treatment the consequences can be reduced to "no."
So, let's return to the causes of cervical dysplasia. There are risk factors that can provoke the disease:
- beginning of sexual activity up to 18 years;
- birth of a child under the age of 16;
- frequent change of partners;
- the presence of disease or treatment that suppresses the immune system;
- smoking.
Symptoms of cervical dysplasia
Unfortunately, dysplasia of the cervix, especially of the 1st degree, does not have any signs or symptoms, and is often diagnosed on a routine check by a gynecologist.
In order to identify dysplasia of the cervix, you need to examine the cytological smear (Pap test). This test should be performed annually among women over 30 years of age. The method is an excellent screening of cervical cancer, and allows to identify the process in the stages of mild cervical dysplasia.
How to treat dysplasia of the cervix?
Methods for treating cervical dysplasia are closely related to the stage of the disease. Studies prove that most women who are diagnosed with mild dysplasia of the cervix, the disease regresses. But despite this, doctors recommend regular examinations at the gynecologist, as there are cases (infection with aggressive forms of HPV), when the disease progresses up to cervical cancer.
If nevertheless dysplasia of the cervix of the 1st degree has passed into the stage of moderate dysplasia, medical intervention will be required. At this stage, treatment can be conservative. Bacteriological studies are carried out, and in the detection of STD in women , treatment is based on the extermination of genital infections. Also, the patient receives immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory drugs. In most cases this is enough to stop the progression of the disease.
But if these measures prove futile, they go to the aid of laser or cryosurgery.
Consequences of cervical dysplasia
The most terrible consequence of cervical dysplasia is cancer. In order to avoid this complication, you need to regularly visit a doctor, and if you need treatment - strictly follow all the recommendations.
And, of course, it is best to prevent HPV from entering the body. To do this, use barrier contraception and avoid risk factors. Also, there is a vaccine against HPV called Gardasil. It is believed that after vaccination, a woman has a very small risk of HPV.