If you're trying to absorb a diagnosis of high-grade cervical dysplasia, undoubtedly you have many questions and concerns. You've already taken a first, and important, step by visiting your doctor. The next steps are to educate yourself, continue to exercise to maintain your health and strong immune system, and have confidence that today's treatment options will ensure your health for years to come.
What Is High Grade Cervical Dysplasia?
High grade cervical dysplasia, also known as HSIL, for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, is characterized as abnormal cell growth on the surface of the cervix that poses a significant risk of developing into cervical cancer. HSIL is caused by the human papillomavirus and is considered the most common sexually transmitted disease. There are no symptoms associated with HSIL, and it often is detected on a Pap smear. Numerous treatment options are available that are very successful at preventing cancer.
Exercise & Dysplasia
There is no scientific evidence suggesting exercise may cause or exacerbate high- grade cervical dysplasia. On the contrary, regular exercise can stimulate your immune system and may actually provide protection against developing cancer. The American Cancer Society published a study in 2002 in their journal, "Cancer", profiling the enhanced immune response to exercise, reporting that it reduces susceptibility to cancer recurrence in cancer survivors. The positive immune system response was found to occur with regular moderate exercise. It is important to note that prolonged, intense exercise actually suppressed the immune system and was not beneficial.
Treatment and Exercise
Several procedures are used to treat high grade cervical dysplasia. Laser surgery is performed in the doctor's office and utilizes a direct beam of light to kill abnormal cells. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure, or LEEP, is done under general anesthesia and uses an electric current conducted through a wire hoop to remove tissue. A cervical cone biopsy, also performed under general anesthesia, involves excision of a cone-shaped piece of atypical cervical tissue. The LEEP and cervical cone biopsy can be used as both a diagnostic and treatment procedure for dysplasia. These procedures may leave you with slight discomfort for several days, as well as minor bleeding, and you may feel that exercising during this time isn't desirable.
Considerations
The "Cancer" article found that moderate exercise was beneficial in improving the immune system and potentially preventing cancer. Moderate exercise to consider is walking briskly for 30 minutes, at a rate of 3 to 4 mph. Bicycling is an excellent form of exercise also, and including a 4 mile ride, in 15 minutes, several times per week can be beneficial. If you want your exercise to be more sports oriented, you can include basketball for 30 minutes about 3 to 4 days per week.
References
- PubMed: Cervical Dysplasia
- MyBiopsy: What Is Cervical Dysplasia?
- "Cancer"; Physical Exercise and Immune System Function in Cancer Survivors; Adrian Fairey, et al; January 2002
- Advanced Gynecology Solutions: Treatment of Cervical Dysplasia
- MayoClinic.com: Cervical Cancer Treatment
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Guide To Physical Activity
