Cervical Dysplasia: Is It Cancer? - Mayo Clinic

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I had a Pap test recently, and my health care provider said the results showed cervical dysplasia. What does that mean? Is it cancer?

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• Colposcopy

No. Cervical dysplasia isn't cancer. The term means that cells that look different from typical cervical cells were found on the surface of the cervix. Cervical dysplasia can range from mild to severe, depending on how different the cells look. Dysplasia could go away on its own. Or, over time, it could turn into cancer.

After something that is not typical is detected on a Pap test, your health care provider may recommend more tests. Tests might include:

• Human papillomavirus test. Human papillomavirus, also called HPV, is a common virus that's passed through sexual contact. It causes most cervical cancers. The HPV test can tell whether the virus is present in your cells.
• Colposcopy. This exam involves looking at your cervix, vagina and vulva using a magnifying instrument. If your health care provider sees anything that's not typical, a sample of cells, called a biopsy, might be taken for testing.

Based on the results, your health care provider might recommend next steps. These could include more tests, more frequent cervical cancer screening or treatment.

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• Cervical cysts: Can they be cancerous?
• Pap smear: Do I need one if I'm a virgin?

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Jan. 27, 2023 Show references

1. Ferri FF. Cervical dysplasia. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 27, 2022.
2. What is cervical cancer? National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical. Accessed Jan. 4, 2023.
3. AskMayoExpert. Cervical cancer screening. Mayo Clinic; 2022.

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2. Brachytherapy
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4. Cervical cancer
5. Cervical cancer FAQs
6. Cervical cysts: Can they be cancerous?
7. Chemo targets
8. Chemotherapy
9. Chemotherapy and hair loss: What to expect during treatment
10. Chemotherapy and sex: Is sexual activity OK during treatment?
11. Chemotherapy nausea and vomiting: Prevention is best defense
12. Colposcopy
13. CT scan
14. Cystoscopy
15. Fertility preservation
16. HPV infection
17. HPV infection: A cause of cancer in men?
18. HPV vaccine
19. Magic mouthwash
20. Minimally invasive surgery
21. MRI
22. MRI
23. Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
24. Palliative care
25. PALS (Pets Are Loving Support)
26. Pap smear
27. Pap smear: Do I need one if I'm a virgin?
28. Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC)
29. Radiation therapy
30. Robotic hysterectomy
31. Seeing inside the heart with MRI
32. What is cervical cancer? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
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