The cervix, which is located at the junction of the vagina and the uterus, is prone to developing cells with genetic mutations that cause them to grow abnormally quickly. Low-grade cervical cancer is dangerous because of its ability to develop into more invasive forms; thus, these kinds of cellular changes are usually monitored but may not be immediately treated.
Definition
Abnormal cervical cells are often graded based on their appearance, The Oncology Channel explains. Low-grade cells are cells that are fairly similar in appearance to healthy cervical cells; high-grade cells are more abnormal in their appearance. The more abnormal the cervical cells appear, the more likely they are to spread beyond the cervical lining and into other tissues. Consequently, low-grade cervical cancer cells are less dangerous than high-grade cells.
Detection
Abnormal cervical cells are typically first seen on a Pap smear, according to Medline Plus. A Pap smear is a screening test typically performed in a routine gynecological examination. With a Pap smear, the cervix is swabbed to obtain a sample of some of its cells; these cells are examined under a microscope. At this point the cells are termed normal, low- or high-grade. If the Pap smear detects abnormal cervical cells, a biopsy of the cervix may be performed to obtain additional cells.
Causes
The primary cause of cervical cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, is a previous infection with the human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. HPV can infect the cells of the cervix and cause genetic changes, which result in the cells growing abnormally. There are more than 200 strains of HPV, and only some of them cause the genetic changes associated with cervical cancer. Two-thirds of all cases of cervical cancer are associated with an infection from HPV-16 and HPV-18. Other factors, such as a weakened immune system, smoking and oral contraceptive use, can predispose a woman to develop cervical cancer.
Prognosis
Often, low-grade cervical cancer cells go away on their own, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explains. For this reason, these types of low-grade abnormal cells often do not require immediate treatment. Instead, patients should have an additional Pap smear in three to six months to see if the cervical cancer cells are progressing into high-grade or potentially invasive cancer cells. If low-grade lesions persist for more than two years, additional treatment may be recommended as a preventive measure.
Treatment
Low-grade cervical cancer cells can be treated many ways, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. One technique is called loop electrosurgical excision procedure, in which a small piece of wire with an electric current is used to destroy abnormal parts of the cervix. The abnormal cells can also be removed using lasers or frozen as part of cryotherapy.
