Understanding Dysplasia
Medically reviewed by Marla Anderson, MDMedically reviewed by Marla Anderson, MDDysplasia is the growth of abnormal cells within tissues or organs. This can happen in any part of the body. You might hear the term "cervical dysplasia" following a Pap test. Or "hip dysplasia" following imaging tests on an infant or young child. Dysplasia isn't cancer. However, some types are precancerous, and others are developmental.Dysplasia can range from mild to severe. Depending on the circumstances, a healthcare provider may recommend a "wait and watch" approach to see if it resolves. In some cases, there are several treatment options. Treating some types can help prevent cancer from ever developing.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Defining Dysplasia: What Is and Isn't CancerIf test results show that you have dysplasia, it means abnormal cells are present. It's not a cancer diagnosis. Normal healthy cells sometimes change abnormally, leading to dysplasia. Under a microscope, these cells can appear mildly, moderately, or severely abnormal. These cells can't invade nearby tissue and may or may not develop into cancer.The risk of dysplasia turning cancerous without treatment varies by type and level of severity. It can take 15-20 years for abnormal cervical cells to become cancer. It can happen faster if you have a weakened immune system.Cancer cells have varying abnormal sizes and shapes and are arranged differently than healthy cells. The nucleus of a cancer cell usually has too much DNA and appears larger and darker than a normal nucleus. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissue. Without treatment, cancer will continue to grow and spread.Affected Body PartsDysplasia can affect almost any body part. Some types of precancerous dysplasia are:Anogenital: cervix, vagina, vulvar, penis, scrotum, or anusColonLaryngeal (voice box)Myelodysplastic syndrome (bone marrow)Oral: roof and floor of the mouth, inside of the cheeks, tongue, gums, and lipsTypes of developmental dysplasia include:Ectodermal: skin, sweat glands, hair, teeth, and nailsHipSkeletal
Types of Abnormal Cell GrowthHyperplasia: An abnormal, uncontrolled increase in the number of cells. The cells are normal but have the potential to become cancerous.Metaplasia: One kind of mature cell is replaced with another that isn't usually found in that tissue type. It's not cancer, but it is a risk factor for cancer.Dysplasia: Cells look abnormal. It's not cancer but can progress to cancer.Neoplasia: Abnormal, uncontrolled growth of new cells or tissue. The growth is called a neoplasm, which can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous).
Learning From TestingSince there are often no symptoms, you might learn you have cervical or vaginal dysplasia following routine screening with a Pap test or colon dysplasia following a screening colonoscopy.If you have signs or symptoms of dysplasia, your healthcare provider may order diagnostic testing, such as a Pap test, colposcopy, or biopsy, to examine cells under a microscope. In the case of developmental dysplasia, your provider may order diagnostic imaging tests, such as ultrasound or X-ray, based on signs and symptoms.Possible Meaning of ResultsIn general, dysplasia is identified as:Low-grade: Cells are mildly abnormal but don't resemble cancerHigh-grade: Cells are moderately to severely abnormal and may look more like cancerYour lab report will have different details depending on the type of dysplasia and the type of test. Cervical dysplasia on a Pap test is a squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL). Your Pap report may show results such as:Low-grade (LSIL)High-grade (HSIL)Possibly cancerous (malignant)Atypical glandular cells (AGC)Atypical squamous cells (ASC)Cervical dysplasia on a biopsy report is called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), which is shown as:CIN I: Mild dysplasiaCIN II: Moderate to marked dysplasiaCIN III: Severe dysplasia to carcinoma in situ (early-stage, noninvasive cancer)In general, a higher grade indicates a higher risk of developing cancer. However, most women who have abnormal cervical screening results don't have cancer.Dysplasia Symptoms Based on Body PartIt's unlikely you'll have any signs or symptoms related to mild dysplasia, which is why it's often discovered through routine testing. Some people with colon polyps experience bleeding, but most have no symptoms. In some cases, cervical dysplasia may cause:Abnormal vaginal discharge or spotting between periodsBleeding after intercourse or during menopausePainful sexIn developmental dysplasia of the hip, the ball doesn't fit securely into the socket. Signs may include an abnormal walk and unequal leg length.When Is Treatment Necessary?Dysplasia doesn't always progress to cancer and can resolve without treatment. But there's no way to accurately predict if it will. A healthcare provider may recommend a "watchful waiting" or monitoring strategy rather than active treatment. Reasons for delaying treatment include: You're at low risk: You have a low-grade type of dysplasia that is likely to go away without intervention, plus there are no other factors that put you at high risk of developing cancer. With careful monitoring, you can still catch signs of progression early.Possibly avoid over-treatment: If dysplasia resolves on its own, you won't have to deal with the potential risks and side effects of treatment.It's unnecessary: Colon polyps are typically removed during the colonoscopy.But your provider may recommend starting treatment right away for a variety of reasons, including:You're at high risk: You have a high-grade dysplasia that is more likely to turn into cancer. Other factors elevate your risk of developing cancer.Non-treatment can lead to more problems: Untreated hip dysplasia, for example, can lead to irreversible damage, including early hip arthritis.Peace of mind: Watchful waiting and repeat testing are highly stressful.Your provider can explain the results of your lab tests and recommend the next steps.Repeat Dysplasia Testing Dysplasia means that abnormal cells have been found. Even if you don't need immediate treatment, your provider will likely recommend repeating the test within a few months or years. For cervical dysplasia, your provider will base this on factors such as:Previous screening resultsAny prior treatments for cervical cell changesAge and overall healthFollow-up testing may involve repeat Pap test, HPV test, colposcopy, or biopsy.If you had a colon polyp with high-grade dysplasia, you might need a follow-up colonoscopy sooner than you typically would.Managing Diagnosis Anxiety During Wait and WatchIf you find the wait-and-watch approach stressful, you're not alone. But keep in mind that you don't have cancer and may never need treatment for dysplasia. Active monitoring may help you avoid unnecessary treatments.However, if follow-up testing reveals progression, you can still get treatment before it has the chance to develop into cancer. Some ways to help manage anxiety include:Progressive muscle relaxationDeep breathing exercisesGuided imageryTry to spend some time outdoors. Many studies show the benefits of actual or even virtual exposure to nature on mental health.If you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, speak with your healthcare provider about your options.
Can Dysplasia Go Away on Its Own?Mild dysplasia often resolves on its own.
Lifestyle and Healthful HabitsSome lifestyle factors can help cut the risk of developing certain cancers. These include:Don't smoke.Stay physically active and manage weight.Eat healthy by focusing on plant-based foods and limiting red meat and alcohol.Get vaccinated against HPV (human papillomavirus) if you're 26 or younger, which can lead to cervical cancer.Get regular cancer screenings as recommended.Summary Dysplasia describes the presence of abnormal cells. It's not cancer, but it is a precancerous condition. Mild dysplasia often resolves on its own. Moderate to severe dysplasia may require some treatment to prevent cancer from developing. If you have dysplasia, your provider may recommend repeat testing in a few months or years. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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