Cervical dysplasia can also lead to the development of some cancerous cells, and it's a condition that has to be watched carefully by a doctor. If you have cervical dysplasia, the cells that make up cervical tissue start to change, according to James Davidson, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Truman Medical Center in Kansas City and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He says that the condition can range from mild to severe, depending on how extensive the cell changes are on the lining of the cervix. With severe dysplasia cells change throughout the cervix lining. The cells start to look like cancer cells but don't behave like them, says Dr. Davidson.
Cervical cancer is the third most common gynecological cancer.
Approximately 16,000 women develop cancer of the cervix every year, and less than one-third that number die from it. Early detection with a Pap smear is critically important, because it can prevent death from cervical cancer. Meanwhile, here's what you can do to guard your cervical health. Practice safe sex. Do your best to prevent STDs and cervical cancer by engaging in safe sex, experts say.