Cervical dysplasia describes the abnormal growth of cells on the surface of the cervix that indicates either precancerous or cancerous cells. Cervical dysplasia often produces no symptoms at all, and a Pap smear usually detects the condition. Reasons for the condition remain unknown, but certain factors may increase the risk.
Human Papilloma Virus
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a link between an infection with the human papilloma virus, or HPV, and the development of cervical dysplasia exists. HPV has several strains that cause warts, and transmission can occur through sexual activity in the genitals, anal, or mouth regions. The warts that appear on the hands and feet consist of different strains from those that cause growths on the genitals. Most HPV infections occur without symptoms and go away without treatment, although some HPV infections persist for many years, but do not cause cell abnormalities on a Pap test, as noted by the National Cancer Institute.
Suppressed Immune System
According to the National Cancer Institute, almost all women acquire an HPV infection at some point, but very few develop cervical dysplasia, because the immune system controls or eliminates HPV infections. Having a suppressed immune system from chronic infections such as HIV or AIDS, or the use of certain prescription drugs including chemotherapy medications, often plays a role in the development of the condition, explains the Cleveland Clinic.
Risk Factors
Although the exact cause of cervical dysplasia remains unknown, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains that certain risk factors increase an individual's chance for developing the condition. Risk factors include smoking, sexual activity younger than 18 years old, having a baby before the age of 16, engaging in unprotected sex with someone who had prior unprotected sex with a partner that had the condition, having one or more sexually transmitted diseases such as genital herpes, the use of birth control pills for five years or more, being born to a woman who took diethylstilbestrol (DES) to become pregnant or sustain the pregnancy, low levels of folate, and deficiencies in beta-carotene, selenium and vitamins A, C and E.
