Empowher.com describes dysplasia as any growth or development of abnormal cells. Dysplasia in the body can take many forms and affect different areas. It typically arises from abnormal cell or tissue proliferation, and is treated in a variety of ways depending on where it occurs.
Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Fibromuscular dysplasia, or FMD, is a condition that is diagnosed when cellular growth in the walls of medium and large arteries becomes excessive, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This growth can lead to narrowing of the arteries. This condition occurs most often in the renal arteries leading to the kidneys, but nearly a third of cases also happen in the carotid arteries that connect the heart and brain. While the exact causes of FMD are not known, it is thought to have several possible causes, including hormonal influences, genetics, internal mechanical stress and lack of oxygen to blood vessel walls, says the Cleveland Clinic. If FMD is symptomatic, treatment may include blood pressure medications, angioplasty or reconstructive surgery.
Ectodermal Dysplasias
Ectodermal dysplasias are a group of more than 100 inherited conditions involving defects in the teeth, hair, nails and sweat glands, says the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias. To be diagnosed with the condition, an individual must have at least two types of abnormal ectodermal features, including either misshapen teeth, thin or sparse hair, or abnormally shaped nails. Other symptoms include sensitivity to sunlight, cleft lip and/or palate, vision defects, and absent or irregular fingers or toes. There is no cure for ectodermal dysplasias, but treatment is available to alleviate specific symptoms.
Skeletal Dysplasia
Akron Children's Hospital describes skeletal dysplasias as disorders of the bone and cartilage that affect growth and development of the skeleton and lead to short stature. While these disorders are typically genetic, early intervention from specialists can minimize associated complications like spine disorders, heart defects and neurological problems. Common types of skeletal dysplasias include achondroplasia, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, metabolic short stature and metaphyseal chondrodysplasia.
Cervical Dysplasia
Cervical dysplasia involves abnormal cell growth on the surface of the cervix, and is indicative of precancerous or cancerous cells, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. The dysplasia can be low-grade or high-grade, based on the amount of abnormal cell growth; low-grade dysplasias are less aggressive than high-grade ones, and the risk of developing cervical cancer is higher with high-grade dysplasias. Cervical dysplasia is usually asymptomatic and is detected through a Pap smear. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, plays a role in the development of dysplasia, but other factors are thought to play a role as well. Depending on how severe the cervical dysplasia is, surgery to remove the abnormal tissue may be performed; the University of Maryland Medical Center states this is the most common treatment method for the condition.
