1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Menstrual Disorders

Cervical Dysplasia

From , former About.com Guide

Updated: October 15, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Cervical dysplasia is a type of abnormal Pap smear result which is more frequently called CIN or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Cervical dysplasia occurs when microscopic changes occur in cervical tissues. These changes are caused by the human pappilomavirus or HPV. Cervical dysplasia can range from mild to severe. Left untreated, cervical dysplasia has the potential to develop into cervical cancer, however this rarely occurs. Although cervical dysplasia is most often detected by Pap smear, it can also be detected through cervical biopsy.

See: Understanding Your Pap Smear Results

Also Known As: CIN
Explore Menstrual Disorders
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this season. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Menstrual Disorders
  4. Glossary
  5. What is Cervical Dysplasia?

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.