Cervical dysplasia can mark the beginnings of cervical cancer. It has also been known to resolve on its own, and when it does not, the use of conventional and/or alternative treatments is generally successful.
Dysplasia of the cervix is characterized by abnormal surface cell growth, according the University of Maryland Medical Center. There are two classifications of dysplasia: slow growing (low-grade) and fast-growing (high-grade). Dysplasia generally does not produce side effects, so its discovery is dependent on obtaining regular cervical cancer screenings.
Human Papilloma Virus
Many subtypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) exist. Naturopathic doctor Marianne Marchese, ND, notes in her 2010 "Townsend Letter" article that infection with HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer. The University of Maryland site additionally notes a strong association between cervical dysplasia and HPV infection.
However, other unknown factors are usually required in order for the dysplastic cells to become precancerous. Regular Pap smears, notes UMM, are the key to identifying the dysplastic cells before they progress to dangerous precancerous or cancerous changes.
Diethylstilbestrol Exposure
Between the years of 1938 and 1971, over 10 million people were exposed to the drug Diethylstilbestrol (DES). This drug was used in pregnant women to help prevent miscarriages and premature deliveries. The drug has not been used since 1971, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) because physicians and researchers linked DES exposure cancers in the female offspring of these women. The National Cancer Institute notes that these women had a two-fold increase in vaginal and cervical dysplasia and neoplasia.
Hormonal Contraceptives
The use of hormonal contraceptives has been investigated for many years as a factor affecting the normal cell cycle of reproductive tissue. This link has been studied by many researchers and has presented conflicting conclusions.
A 2008 "Biomed Central" journal article on the presence of cervical dysplasia in a population of women with high hormonal contraceptive use concluded that there is a link. Hormonal contraceptives used for longer than four years were shown to confer some risk of cervical dysplasia, and regular Pap smears were highly recommended as an early intervention tool. Other factors that may have skewed results included increased sexual partners, use of barrier methods, number of children and alcohol consumption.
Smoking
There is a strong correlation between smoking and the development of cervical dysplasia. In fact, a Life Extension article notes that it is an independent risk factor for cervical changes and its effects are associated with both first- and second-hand smoke exposure.
Smoking cigarettes creates high concentrations of free radicals. In order to attempt to balance the havoc these molecules wreak on the body, the antioxidant defense systems are applied. Over time, the antioxidant stores can become depleted, and this, in turn, increases a woman’s risk of dysplastic changes.
Poor Nutritional Status
A less well-exposed cause and risk factor for cervical dysplasia is insufficient nutrient levels. These levels can become low from deficient intake or overuse in balancing reactions such as the free radical buildup and damage of cigarette smoke. The Life Extension article notes decreased methylation reactions, which are dependent on select nutrients including the B-vitamins, folic acid and B-12. Folic acid levels are also noted by Dr. Marchese to be reduced in women who take hormonal contraceptives. High folate blood levels, according to Marchese, have been found to prevent the early stages of cervical dysplasia. Low levels of antioxidants CoQ10 and vitamin E were also found to be deficient in women with cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Complementary Medicine – Cervical Dysplasia
- Townsend Letter: “Management of Cervical Dysplasia and Human Papillomavirus”
- Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): DES Update Home
- National Cancer Institute: Clinician Information: DES Daughters – Women Exposed in Utero
- BMC Women’s Health: “Cervical dysplasia and cancer and the use of hormonal contraceptives in Jamaican women”
