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?

- No name / No state given

Mayo Clinic breast-health specialist Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Cervical dysplasia is a term used to describe the appearance of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. Cervical dysplasia is not cancer, but may be precancerous and ultimately become cancerous (malignant). Your doctor may also refer to these abnormal cells as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS). Cervical dysplasia can range from mild to severe, depending on the number of atypical cells.

After dysplasia is detected on a Pap smear, your doctor will probably order more tests to determine the extent of the dysplasia, including a colposcopy. A colposcopy is an examination of your cervix, vagina and vaginal opening using a magnifying instrument. Your doctor will use the results of the colposcopy to determine where the abnormal cells are growing and the degree of abnormality.

Often, with mild dysplasia, no treatment is initially needed. In some cases, mild dysplasia resolves on its own and doesn't become cancerous. Your doctor may recommend follow up in three to six months to check for additional changes. If you have severe dysplasia, your doctor may recommend treatment such as surgery, laser treatment or freezing the cervix (cryocautery) to remove the abnormal cells.

Whether you have mild or severe dysplasia, it's likely your doctor will recommend having a Pap test every three to 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.