Causes of Cervical Dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia, also known as cervical intrapithelial neoplasia, describes the presence of precancerous cells on the surface of the cervix. The classification of the precancerous cells can be mild, moderate or severe. According to the Women's Health Channel, between 250,000 and 1 million American women annually are diagnosed with cervical dysplasia; moreover, most women are diagnosed when they are between 25 and 35 years old. Dysplasia is asymptomatic, which underscores the absolute need for of annual pap smears. Also, dysplasia does not mean automatic cancer,; the majority of mild cases revert to normal without treatment.

Human Papillomavirus

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical dysplasia, and if left untreated, HPV likely will lead to cervical dysplasia and, within 10 to 20 years, progress to cervical cancer. In fact, cervical cancer is the first cancer whose origin in females has been determined to be almost always because of a virus; specifically, the WHC says that between 80 percent to 90 percent of women diagnosed with CIN also are infected with the HPV. More than 80 different strains of HPV have been identified, most of which are harmless, however about 12 strains have the potential to become malignant.

An HPV infection remain undetected without a pap smear, therefore, it is essential for women to have annual gynecological exams to contain the dysplasia associated with HPV, and thus prevent cervical cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, somewhere between 60 percent to 80 percent of new invasive cervical cancer patients had not had a pap smear within five years prior to diagnosis; moreover, a substantial number of these women had never even had a pap smear.

Risky Sexual Behavior

Risky sexual activity can increase the likelihood of developing cervical dysplasia. Among the risks are becoming sexually active before you turn 18, having a child before you turn 16, having multiple sexual partners and having unprotected sexual intercourse.

Other

Conditions, diseases, or medications that suppress one's immune system may increase risk to developing CIN because the body cannot contain and control the initial beginning of the abnormal cells of the cervix. Thus, individuals with chronic diseases such as HIV or systemic lupus erythematosus (known as SLE or lupus) are especially likely to have abnormal cell growth on the cervix. Also, a woman who has had a major organ transplant is likely to have cervical dysplasia at some point in her life.

Other potential risk factors include smoking or being exposed to DES in utero.