What is dysplasia?

“Dysplasia” is the scientific term for “abnormal cells,” which don’t look the way they’re supposed to under a microscope. These abnormal cells are not considered cancer in and of themselves, but they do have the potential to become cancer someday, if left untreated. That’s why dysplasia is considered a precancerous condition.  

So, how do you know if you have dysplasia? What causes it? And, how is dysplasia treated? Here, I’ll answer these questions and more. 

HPV is the most common cause of dysplasia

The term “dysplasia” is probably used most frequently when describing cells from the throat, cervix and anus. That’s because the vast majority of abnormal cells found in those areas have a common source: the human papillomavirus, or HPV. 

HPV is spread through intimate physical contact. More than 80% of people will be infected with it at some point. Fortunately, the immune system can usually clear up an HPV infection on its own.  

Problems arise only when the immune system can’t, and an HPV infection persists. When that happens, high-grade dysplasia may develop in certain areas, including the throat, tonsils, cervix, vagina, vulva, penis and anus. And that type of dysplasia can eventually become cancerous. 

Not all dysplasia will become cancer

The good news is that not all dysplasia will become cancerous. That’s why only some types of dysplasia warrant immediate attention, rather than careful observation.  

Cervical dysplasia, for instance, is normally divided into three categories:  

• mild or low-grade 
• moderate or intermediate grade 
• severe or high-grade  

If you only have mild cervical dysplasia, we may just opt to watch it and see if it resolves on its own. That’s because abnormal cells can be caused by many different things, including infections, a weakened immune system, and even age. 

If you have severe or high-grade cervical dysplasia, on the other hand, we will likely recommend prompt treatment, because the cells are very abnormal and have a much higher probability of turning into cancer. 

Treatment options for cervical dysplasia

Which treatments you’re offered will depend on the type and grade of your dysplasia. 

Here in the United States, we usually treat high-grade cervical dysplasia with excision, or surgical removal. Your doctor may perform:  

• a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), which uses a heated wire loop to remove abnormal cells, or  
• a cold knife conization (CKC or cone biopsy), which uses a scalpel to remove a cone-shaped wedge of cervical tissue.  

With anal dysplasia, you might be prescribed topical creams or ablation therapy. Abnormal cells found in the throat or esophagus may also be treated with ablation.  

Worried about dysplasia? Don’t skip your checkups and cancer screenings

Regardless of its location, dysplasia doesn’t usually cause any symptoms. It’s also not visible to the naked eye. So, the best way to find out if you have it is to get regular checkups and schedule any cancer screenings you might be eligible for at the recommended intervals. 

Why?  

Because well-woman exams often include an HPV test and a pelvic exam. The latter includes inspections of the vulva, vagina and anal areas, which can help identify both cervical cancer and cervical dysplasia. And, any exam that involves a doctor or dentist looking inside your mouth can help spot irregularities in your throat, tonsils, and other areas, which could prove to be cancerous. 

So, don’t put yours off or skip any of them. 

Kathleen Schmeler, M.D., is a gynecologic oncologist at MD Anderson.

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.