Grades of cervical dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia means abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. Reports may use CIN terminology: CIN 1 is low-grade change, while CIN 2 and CIN 3 describe progressively more marked changes. These grades are not the same as invasive cancer. A result can come from a screening test or a tissue sample, and the wording matters because each test answers a different question. An HPV Test may help clarify risk, while a Colposcopy lets a clinician examine the cervix closely.

Follow the recommended review interval and attend any colposcopy appointment. Depending on the grade, age, pregnancy status, examination findings, and previous results, care may involve observation with repeat testing or removal of the changed area. Procedures such as Cone Biopsy or Loop Excision of the Cervix may be discussed for higher-grade changes. Keep copies of results so your follow-up plan remains clear.

Contact your clinic if you have bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, unusual discharge, or pelvic pain. Seek prompt help for heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or feeling faint. These symptoms do not identify the grade, but they should not be ignored.

Ask whether your result is from screening or biopsy, which grade was found, and when repeat testing is due. Ask how treatment could affect future pregnancy and what follow-up will be needed after treatment.