Dysplasia - What To Do
We have recently contacted you either by phone or letter letting you know that your recent pap smear was not entirely normal. The laboratory report indicates “dysplasia” is present. Please take a few moments to read this. It explains the significance of dysplasia and what we advise doing about it.
What Is Dysplasia and Its Significance?
The first sign of an abnormality occurs when immature cells with abnormal nuclei are seen in the pap smear. They are called “dysplastic” cells. The extent of the abnormal changes determines whether the smear is classified as “mild”, “moderate”, or “severe.” Forty to fifty smears per 1000 will show these changes. Out of that number, only 1 or 2 are associated with an invasive malignancy.
Because invasive cancer starts with these early changes and usually takes years to progress through these various stages, it becomes imperative to find and eradicate the earliest possible abnormalities. In reality, approximately one-third of dysplasia (especially mild) will spontaneously regress, one-third will remain the same and one- third will progress to frank malignancy. In any particular situation, however, we do not know what the evolution will be, therefore, seek to investigate and appropriately treat and eradicate all.
It has been shown in many studies that the early recognition of abnormal cells shed by the cervix, followed by proper investigation and treatment, will prevent the subsequent development of invasive cervical carcinoma. This leads to a dramatic fall in the serious life-threatening later manifestation of the disease.
What Do We Do Now?
We recommend a diagnostic procedure known as colposcopy. This is an office procedure that takes approximately 15 minutes. We will look at your cervix with a specially designed microscope, magnifying it 13 times or more. The abnormal areas shedding the dysplastic cells can be identified by special characteristics and then small biopsies are taken from these areas. In most cases, after determining the precise stage of disease from the biopsies, the involved area is easily treated in the office on a subsequent visit by either freezing or cauterizing it. When several normal pap smears are obtained following this, the changes for recurrence of the process are no greater than if it had not occurred at all.
We hope this brief explanation will serve to inform you without frightening you. Actually we are fortunate that the combination of cervical pap smears and colposcopy diagnosis and treatment can virtually eliminate dangerous cervical malignancy.
Please call the office to have the colposcopy scheduled so that we may proceed with the appropriate treatment. We will be happy to answer any other questions you may have at that time, including fees. You will receive a separate charge from Oregon Medical Labs for biopsy report.
