Abnormal cell growth that is non-cancerous is termed dysplasia. Classification is based on how much of the surface tissue is affected and on the kind and degree of cell changes that are found. Most cases of CIN are mild, but if allowed to go unchecked and untreated, it can progress in severity and possibly change to cancer. This is why it is so important for women to have yearly Pap smears. Studies have found that the risk of developing cervical cancer is 3-10 times greater in women who have not been screened.
Risk also increases when a long time lapses between tests.
In addition, survival from cervical cancer appears to be directly related to the stage of the disease at the time it is detected. Women diagnosed with early stage, localized cervical cancer were shown to have an 88 percent chance of surviving for at least 5 years. For those diagnosed with a more advanced stage of disease, the survival rate is only 13 percent. Any abnormal cell growth needs to be examined more thoroughly to determine whether cancer is actually present. Through colposcopy, the cervix can be viewed directly through a special microscope and a sample of the abnormal cells can be removed and sent to a lab for accurate diagnosis.