Dysplasia is a medical term that literally means “disordered growth” and can be applied to numerous systems in the body. It means that the size or shape of affected cells have been affected by abnormal growth. Each type of dysplasia has its own characteristics, diagnostic methods and treatments.
Cervical Dysplasia
Cervical dysplasia, which is also referred to as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), is divided into three classification according to severity. CIN I is the mildest form of the condition. CIN II is the moderate form of the condition. CIN III is the most severe form of the condition. When CIN reaches stages II and III, it is considered pre-cancerous. Roughly 30 percent of moderate to severe cases of cervical dysplasia develop into cervical cancer, according to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Cervical dysplasia is detected on routine PAP smears or during a colposcopy. It is treated with laser ablation, Loop ElectroSurgical Excision Procedure (LOOP), cryosurgery, hysterectomy or cone biopsy.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a lung condition that affects some newborns who are unable to produce surfactant to coat the lungs. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, risk factors for this condition include having breathing problems at birth, being born more than 10 weeks premature and weighing under 2 ½ pounds at birth. Babies who require long-term oxygen and breathing support may also develop this condition. Newborns with this condition receive oxygen support and usually show marked improved within 2 to 4 weeks.
Fibrous Dysplasia
Fibrous dysplasia is a dysplasia that affects the bones and causes pain, deformity, uneven bone growth or brittle bones. It most commonly affect children ages 3 to 15, according to the University of Virginia Health System. The pelvis, thighbone, shin, upper arm, facial bones, skull and ribs are the most commonly affected bones. It is diagnosed through CT scans, x-rays, biopsies or blood tests. Treatments for this condition include physical therapy, pain management, surgery and medication therapy. The actual treatment plan is developed based on the location and the severity of the disease.
Ectodermal Dysplasia
Ectodermal dysplasia is a term that refers to 150 inherited disorders that affect teeth, nails, hair, skin and sweat glands. Sometimes, this condition is found in conjunction with conditions that develop during embryonic development and affect the inner ear, digits, nerves or eye lenses. Oftentimes, ectodermal dysplasia is detected only when a child’s teeth don’t develop normally, according to the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasia. Treatment is often multi-faceted and includes medical treatments from various doctors to address all the symptoms.
Corneal Epithelial Dysplasia
Corneal epithelial dysplasia is a rare condition in which the epithelium of the eye matures abnormally. The most common symptom of this condition, according to Mission for Vision, is eye irritation. Other symptoms may include pain, eyestrain and decreased vision in the affected eye. This condition is usually diagnosed when the optometrist finds a transparent and slightly elevated lesion on the eye. It is treated with eye drops, surgery or a combination of the two.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip instability is found in 1 out of 80 newborns, according to Pediatric Orthopaedics. However, not all hip instability is hip dysplasia. In fact, only 4 out of every 1,000 newborns actually have hip dysplasia. The risk factors for this condition include a family history of hip dysplasia, wry-neck, breech presentation, foot deformities and insufficient amniotic fluid in utero. Many infants with hip dysplasia display no signs of the condition; however, uneven thigh folds, legs that are different lengths, decreased flexibility and mobility in one leg and a duck like gait are all signs of the condition. An ultrasound to check the hip joints is usually how the condition is diagnosed. The treatment for babies under 6 months old is wearing a Pavlik harness, which keep the legs spread apart while keeping the knees bent. For babies over 6 months, leg traction, specialized braces and surgery are the treatment options.
