After reading this handout, you will know what cervical dysplasia is and what can cause it. You will also find out what measures your health care provider may take to diagnose and treat it. The cervix is the narrow, lower portion of the uterus. Any woman who is or has been sexually active may have cervical dysplasia. Dysplasia is not cancer, but it can develop into cancer of the cervix.
Cervical dysplasia is classified as either mild, moderate, or severe.
It is more common in women who have had many sex partners or began to have intercourse before age 18. In addition, cervical dysplasia has been associated with cigarette smoking and too little folic acid in the diet. Cervical dysplasia seldom has any symptoms. Cervical dysplasia is diagnosed by a simple, painless test called a Pap smear. To perform a Pap smear, your health care provider swabs your cervix and cervical canal with a long cotton swab, brush, or wooden scraper.