Clinical Overview
Cervical dysplasia occurs when cells in the cervix change to resemble cancer cells. Thirty to fifty percent of cases of untreated dysplasia will develop into cervical cancer; however, the condition is not necessarily cancerous. Dysplasia is treatable.

The cause is unknown, though human papillomavirus (HPV) might be one cause. Women at the highest risk for developing dysplasia:

• Are between the ages of 25-35
  
• Became sexually active before 18 years of age
  
• Bore children before 18 years of age
  
• Have a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially HPV, HIV and genital herpes.
  

Last updated: Jan-01-00