Cervical Dysplasia Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

Compassionate, Expert Women’s Health Care in Iowa

At the Gabrielson Clinic for Women, your health is our top priority. That includes early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions like cervical dysplasia, a common but important part of cervical cancer prevention. With compassionate care and advanced professional gynecological services, we’re here to support you at every step.

What Is Cervical Dysplasia?

Cervical dysplasia is a medical term used to describe the presence of abnormal or precancerous cells on the surface of the cervix—the narrow, lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. While these changes in cells are not cancer, they can sometimes develop into cervical cancer over time if they are not detected and managed appropriately.

The cervix is lined with thin, delicate tissue. When exposed to certain high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common cause of cervical dysplasia, this tissue can start to change in ways that look abnormal under a microscope. These changes are classified based on how deeply the abnormal cells go into the layers of the cervix.

Does a Cervical Dysplasia Diagnosis Mean I Have Cancer?

Cervical dysplasia is often called a precancerous condition because it may be an early warning sign of cancer, but it's important to know that not all abnormal cervical cells will become cancerous. Many mild cases resolve on their own with no treatment, especially in younger women. However, early detection through routine Pap smears and HPV testing is essential because more advanced forms of cervical dysplasia may require treatment to prevent progression.

There are generally no symptoms of cervical dysplasia, which is why regular gynecology exams and screenings are so important. When symptoms do occur, they may include unusual vaginal spotting or bleeding after intercourse, but most women feel completely normal.

Who Is at Risk?

Cervical dysplasia most commonly affects women between the ages of 25 and 35, but it can occur at any age. Risk factors include:

• Infection with high-risk strains of HPV (especially HPV-16 and HPV-18)
• Smoking or tobacco use
• A weakened immune system (due to medications or conditions like HIV)
• Long-term use of birth control pills
• Early onset of sexual activity or multiple sexual partners

How Is Cervical Dysplasia Diagnosed?

Early detection saves lives. That’s why regular cervical cancer screenings are so important. Here's how we diagnose cervical dysplasia at the Gabrielson Clinic for Women:

1. Pap Smear Test

This routine screening looks for abnormal cells on the cervix. It’s often the first step in identifying cervical dysplasia.

2. HPV Test

This test checks for high-risk strains of HPV. It’s often done alongside a Pap smear for women over 30.

3. Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a simple and quick outpatient procedure that uses a colposcope to look at the cervix and vagina. This preventative health procedure can help identify any suspicious cells or irregularities in the cervix or vagina.

4. Biopsy

If your women's healthcare provider finds any suspicious cells during a colposcopy, they may take a small sample of tissue, called a biopsy, and send it to a lab for testing. Your gynecologist may take a vaginal or cervical biopsy.

Types of Cervical Dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia is classified by how deeply the abnormal cells go into the cervical lining:

• CIN 1 – Mild dysplasia; abnormal cells in the outer third of the cervix. Often goes away on its own.
• CIN 2 – Moderate dysplasia; affects up to two-thirds of the cervical surface.
• CIN 3 – Severe dysplasia; abnormal cells cover more than two-thirds. This is considered the highest risk for developing cervical cancer.

Treatment Options for Cervical Dysplasia

The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your condition, your age, your future pregnancy plans, and your overall health. At the Gabrielson Clinic for Women, we offer a range of treatments tailored to your individual needs.

Monitoring (Watchful Waiting)

If you have low-grade dysplasia (CIN 1), we may recommend simply monitoring the condition with regular Pap smears. In many cases, the abnormal cells go away on their own.

Procedures to Remove Abnormal Cells

If your cervical dysplasia is more advanced, your provider may recommend one of these outpatient treatments:

LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure)

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure is used in the removal of abnormal cervical cells that may have been identified through a biopsy. A small, thin wire is inserted into the cervix, and a low-voltage electrical current is passed through a loop, cutting away the cervical cells in question.

Cold Knife Cone Biopsy

Cold knife cone biopsy (also called conization) is a surgical procedure used to remove tissue from the cervix. The cervix is the narrow part of the lower end of the uterus and terminates in the vagina. This type of cervix biopsy removes a large cone-shaped piece of the cervix to look for precancerous cells or cancerous material.

Hysterectomy

In rare or persistent cases, especially when childbearing is no longer a concern, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be considered.

Is Cervical Dysplasia Curable?

Yes. In most cases, cervical dysplasia is completely curable, especially when detected early. Treatments are highly effective at removing or destroying abnormal cells before they have a chance to become cancerous.

How to Prevent Cervical Dysplasia

While not all cases are preventable, there are several ways to reduce your risk of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer:

Get the HPV Vaccine

Vaccines like Gardasil® and Cervarix® protect against the most dangerous types of HPV. The CDC recommends vaccination starting at age 9, with catch-up options available up to age 45.

Practice Safer Sex

Limit your number of sexual partners and use condoms or dental dams to reduce HPV transmission.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking makes it harder for your immune system to clear HPV infections and increases your risk of cervical dysplasia.

Get Regular Pap Smears and HPV Tests

Routine cervical screenings are one of the most effective tools for detecting cervical dysplasia early before it can progress.

We’re here to listen. We’re here to care. We’re here for you.

As a trusted women’s health clinic in partnership with Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics, we’re proud to offer comprehensive gynecological care close to home. Whether you need a routine screening or specialized treatment for cervical dysplasia, you’ll find expert care in a supportive, compassionate environment.

If you're due for a Pap smear, have questions about HPV, or need cervical dysplasia treatment in Iowa, contact the Gabrielson Clinic for Women today. Let us help you take the next step in protecting your reproductive health.

Please contact us if you would like more information or would like to schedule an appointment.