Cervical Dysplasia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Cervical Dysplasia is a term used to describe the abnormal growth of cells on the surface of the cervix. The lowest portion of the uterus that joins the vagina is known as the cervix. While it is not cancer, abnormal cells can lead to cancer if left untreated.

There are different types of Cervical Dysplasia which are categorised as mild, moderate, or severe.

• Mild Cervical Dysplasia: Mild Cervical Dysplasia indicates some pre-cancerous changes in cervical cells. Low-grade squamous intrauterine lesion and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 1 are other names for it (LSIL). Mild Cervical Dysplasia is found in 9 out of 10 women who have an abnormal Pap test result.
• Moderate Cervical Dysplasia: Moderate Cervical Dysplasia can also be referred to as CIN grade 2 or HSIL (high-grade squamous intrauterine lesion). A biopsy may be needed to confirm a diagnosis of moderate dysplasia.
• Severe Cervical Dysplasia: Severe Cervical Dysplasia, also called carcinoma in situ (CIS) or CIN grade 3, is considered a precancerous condition as it has an increased risk for developing into cancer if untreated for too long.

A specific strain of the human papillomavirus infection causes Cervical Dysplasia (HPV).
Skin-to-skin contact, often during sexual activity, is how HPV is spread.
These are further risk factors:

• Many sexual partners
• A compromised immune system.
• Smoking
• Having intercourse at a young age.

Often, Cervical Dysplasia does not present any signs or symptoms.

• Abnormal bleeding may occur between menstrual periods, following sexual intercourse, and after menopause.
• Excessive foul-smelling vaginal discharge may also be present.
• Mild pain or pressure in the pelvic area is another possible symptom of Cervical Dysplasia.

You can prevent Cervical Dysplasia by following these measures:

• Use condoms or other barrier methods for intercourse.
• Get vaccinated against HPV.
• Regular cervical cancer screenings.
• Use safe sex techniques.
• Give up smoking.
• Don't have too many sexual partners.
• Keep up a healthy diet and way of life.

Common tests for diagnosing Cervical Dysplasia are given below:

• Colposcopy: A colposcope is an imaging device that helps in close examination of the cervix and shades abnormal areas on the cervix tissue with a special kind of dye or vinegar solution. It allows the doctor to better assess the degree, extent and position of the abnormalities present in cervical cells before taking a sample for testing purposes.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is done to confirm the Cervical Dysplasia diagnosis and identify whether it is a low-grade (mild) or high-grade (severe). A little portion of the cervix tissue is taken during this surgery and submitted to a lab for analysis.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing: HPV testing involves collecting cells from inside your cervix using a tiny brush on the end of an instrument called a speculum, which holds your vagina walls open during an internal examination for visual inspection by a physician. The cells are then tested for cancer-causing viruses like HPV to confirm Cervical Dysplasia.

These are possible complications of Cervical Dysplasia:

• If left untreated, Cervical Dysplasia can lead to precancerous changes in the cervix or even cervical cancer.
• Cervical Dysplasia may also increase the risk of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• It is also possible to experience complications during pregnancy, such as a higher risk of preterm labour and birth defects.
• If severe enough, Cervical Dysplasia can cause discomfort and pain during intercourse or may lead to infertility if scarring occurs in the cervix.

The following are some natural remedies for Cervical Dysplasia:

• Cook with spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic and other beneficial herbs.
• Practice yoga and pranayama regularly to improve circulation throughout the body.
• To lessen irritation, use essential oils to the cervix, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil.
• Try sesame oil massage on the abdomen to boost immunity.
• Drink herbal teas to reduce inflammation and support natural healing processes.

The following foods are suggested for people with Cervical Dysplasia:

• A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential for keeping the immune system strong. Antioxidant-rich meals like berries and leafy greens may help lessen oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Eating foods with probiotics, such as yoghurt or kefir may be beneficial for supporting the immune system, as well as digestive health.
• Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like fish oil or flaxseed oil to help reduce inflammation throughout the body and improve overall health outcomes.
• Include high-quality sources of protein like lean cuts of meat and eggs to support healthy cell regeneration throughout your body to keep symptoms at bay.

These foods should be avoided in Cervical Dysplasia:

• Processed foods: Processed or packaged foods are high in refined sugars, trans fats, and other unhealthy ingredients that can increase inflammation and worsen Cervical Dysplasia.
• Extra salt: Excessive salt in the diet can increase inflammation and cell damage, making it more difficult for the body to repair cells with Cervical Dysplasia.
• Fried foods: Fried foods are loaded with grease and fat that can spike blood glucose levels, leading to increased inflammation and damage to the cells affected by Cervical Dysplasia.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can reduce immunity and interfere with the body’s ability to repair itself, leading to an increase in cellular damage associated with Cervical Dysplasia.
• Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that boosts heart rate and increases stress levels, which can cause oxidative stress on cells affected by Cervical Dysplasia.

Cervical Dysplasia may be treated in the following ways:

• Medications: Treatment may involve medications, such as topical creams which can be prescribed to help treat the abnormal cells, or oral medications that can help prevent further abnormalities.
• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is a procedure in which abnormal cells are frozen and destroyed using extremely cold temperatures.
• Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): In the LEEP technique, the cervix's aberrant tissue is removed using an electrified wire loop, which is subsequently sealed with an electric current.
• Laser Surgery: Laser surgery uses an intense beam of light to remove abnormal cells from the cervix tissue layer by layer with precision and accuracy.
• Hysterectomy: During a hysterectomy, the whole uterus, including the cervix, is removed. Severe Cervical Dysplasia, as well as other life-threatening disorders including cancer or fibroids, are often treated with it. During a hysterectomy, the surgeon will detach the uterus from the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and then remove it through an incision in the abdomen or vagina.

Cervical Dysplasia is usually treated by a gynaecologist or an obstetrician-gynaecologist (OB-GYN).
An OB/GYN can recommend testing and perform treatments such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, or a cone biopsy to address the pre-cancerous changes in cervical cells.
The doctor may also provide screenings and advice on preventive measures such as HPV vaccination and proactive testing for cervical cancer.

Several medications are often prescribed for Cervical Dysplasia:

• Antiviral drugs: These medications help reduce the virus levels by inhibiting its replication, thereby helping to treat and prevent Cervical Dysplasia. Examples include Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex).
• Hormonal medications: Hormonal medications can help stop abnormal cell growth by modulating the hormones that contribute to it. Examples include oral contraceptives (birth control pills) or androgen blockers such as spironolactone or cyproterone acetate.
• Immunomodulators: These drugs are used to stimulate a person’s own immune system to recognize and fight the HPV virus, thus helping to reduce dysplasia risk. Examples include interferon and Levamisole.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help reduce infection in areas of low-grade dysplasia, thus preventing it from progressing into serious disease states. Commonly used antibiotics in this setting include Metronidazole (Metrogel) or Clindamycin (Cleocin).

The length of recovery from Cervical Dysplasia depends on the severity and type of treatment choice. Some treatments may require no recovery time at all, while others require considerable time for the body to heal and for the dysplasia to be eliminated.

• Many women treated with the removal or destruction of abnormal cells (known as ablation) experience minimal discomfort, and most are able to return to normal activities within a few days.
• For more extensive treatments, like a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), recovery may take up to 4-6 weeks.

Treatment for Cervical Dysplasia sometimes has temporary effects. Depending on the type, severity and underlying causes of the condition, recurrent dysplasia may be possible. Treatment can still reduce the chances of developing abnormal cells, or progression to cancer.

Several medications are often prescribed for Cervical Dysplasia:

• Antiviral drugs: These medications help reduce the virus levels by inhibiting its replication, thereby helping to treat and prevent Cervical Dysplasia. Examples include Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex).
• Hormonal medications: Hormonal medications can help stop abnormal cell growth by modulating the hormones that contribute to it. Examples include oral contraceptives (birth control pills) or androgen blockers such as spironolactone or cyproterone acetate.
• Immunomodulators: These drugs are used to stimulate a person’s own immune system to recognize and fight the HPV virus, thus helping to reduce dysplasia risk. Examples include interferon and Levamisole.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help reduce infection in areas of low-grade dysplasia, thus preventing it from progressing into serious disease states. Commonly used antibiotics in this setting include Metronidazole (Metrogel) or Clindamycin (Cleocin).

Cervical Dysplasia treatments in India vary in price based on degree and kind.

• Generally speaking, treatments for mild cases typically range from approximately Rs. 10,000 ($140 USD) to Rs. 20,000 ($280 USD).
• Treatments for more severe cases can cost between Rs. 15,000 ($210 USD) to over Rs. 50,000 ($700 USD).
• In addition to this cost, diagnostic tests such as pap smears and HPV tests can range from roughly Rs. 500 – 2000 ($7 - 28 USD).

Possible negative effects of treatments for Cervical Dysplasia may include:

• Scarring of the cervix: This can be a common side effect resulting from treatments such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, or LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure).
• Pain: Treatments may cause pain or cramping during the procedure and some patients may experience discomfort for a few days afterwards.
• Bleeding: Bleeding can occur after treatment, although it's usually minor and resolves quickly on its own.
• Infection: Rarely, the infection can occur after certain treatments for Cervical Dysplasia, such as LEEP or cone biopsy.
• Infertility: Depending on the severity of the dysplasia and the type of treatment used, infertility could be a potential side effect.