- With Mayo Clinic gynecologist and obstetrician
Mary Gallenberg, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Mary Gallenberg, M.D.
Mary Gallenberg, M.D.
Dr. Mary Gallenberg is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine and medical oncology. She is credentialed as a menopause practitioner by the North American Menopause Society.
An Antigo, Wis., native, Dr. Gallenberg is a consultant in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and an assistant professor at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Gallenberg has been with Mayo Clinic since 1990. She was on the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource editorial board and has been honored for excellence in teaching. She also won a Mayo Clinic Excellence Through Teamwork award.
Tests and diagnosis (3)
- Pap smear: Still necessary after hysterectomy?
- Pap smear: Do I need one if I'm a virgin?
- Cervical dysplasia: Is it cancer?
Causes (2)
- HPV infection: How does it cause cervical cancer?
- Cervical cancer: Can I get it if I've never had sex?
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Question
Cervical dysplasia: Is it cancer?
I had a Pap smear at my annual gynecologist visit, and my doctor said the results showed "cervical dysplasia." What does this mean? Is it cancer?
Answer
from Mary Gallenberg, M.D.
No. Cervical dysplasia isn't cancer. The term indicates that abnormal cells were found on the surface of the cervix.
Cervical dysplasia can range from mild to severe, depending on the appearance of the abnormal cells. Dysplasia could go away on its own or, rarely, it could become cancerous. Another term for cervical dysplasia is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
Tests to determine the severity of cervical dysplasia
After an abnormality is detected on a Pap smear, your doctor may recommend more tests, including testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) and colposcopy. Colposcopy is an examination of your cervix, vagina and vaginal opening using a magnifying instrument. During your colposcopy, your doctor may determine where the abnormal cells are growing and the degree of abnormality. A sample of cells (biopsy) may be taken for testing.
Treatment and follow-up for cervical dysplasia
Often, with mild dysplasia, no treatment is needed. In most cases, mild dysplasia resolves on its own and doesn't become cancerous. Your doctor may recommend follow-up in six months to check for additional changes. If you have severe dysplasia, your doctor may recommend treatment such as surgery or other procedures to remove the abnormal cells.
Whether you have mild or severe dysplasia, it's likely your doctor will recommend having a Pap test every six months to monitor your condition and check for recurrences of dysplasia. After two consecutive normal Pap smears, your doctor will likely recommend resuming annual Pap smears.
Next questionHPV infection: How does it cause cervical cancer?
- Solomon D, et al. The 2001 Bethesda System: Terminology for reporting results of cervical cytology. JAMA. 2002;287:2114.
- Boardman LA, et al. Management of atypical squamous cells, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics. 2008;35:599.
- Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 13, 2009.
