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

Answer From Mary Marnach, M.D.

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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.

With

Mary Marnach, M.D.

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Jan. 27, 2023 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Birth control pill FAQ
  2. Brachytherapy
  3. Cervical cancer
  4. What is cervical cancer? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  5. Cervical cancer FAQs
  6. Chemo targets
  7. Chemotherapy
  8. Chemotherapy and hair loss: What to expect during treatment
  9. Chemotherapy and sex: Is sexual activity OK during treatment?
  10. Chemotherapy nausea and vomiting: Prevention is best defense
  11. Colposcopy
  12. Conization
  13. CT scan
  14. Cystoscopy
  15. Fertility preservation
  16. Gynecologic Cancers
  17. HPV infection
  18. HPV infection: A cause of cancer in men?
  19. HPV vaccine
  20. Magic mouthwash
  21. MRI
  22. Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
  23. Palliative care
  24. PALS (Pets Are Loving Support)
  25. Pap smear
  26. Pap smear: Do I need one if I'm a virgin?
  27. Pelvic exenteration
  28. Pelvic pain
  29. Radiation therapy
  30. Seeing inside the heart with MRI
  31. Surgical biopsy
  32. Vaginal discharge
  33. MRI
  34. X-ray