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Women's Health

Cervical Abnormalities, Explained and Managed With Care

Cervical abnormalities may sound threatening, but they are more common than you think. They refer to changes or irregularities in the cells of the cervix — the lower, narrow end of the womb that connects the uterus to the vagina. Most of the time these changes are mild and resolve on their own, but if left untreated they can lead to more serious conditions.

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An Overview

Understanding Cervical Abnormalities

Cervical abnormalities refer to any changes or irregularities in the cells of the cervix. Most of the time these abnormalities are mild and go away on their own. However, mild changes may lead to more severe health conditions if left untreated.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that many people encounter at some point. Vaccines are available that can help prevent certain types of HPV and reduce your risk of developing cervical abnormalities. Early detection through regular screening is key to protecting your long-term health.

Cervical abnormalities
Symptoms

Signs to Watch For

  • BleedingAfter menopause, sex or between periods
  • Vaginal dischargeStrong odour, watery or blood-stained
  • PainBack pain, leg pain
  • Other signsFatigue, prolonged periods
  • UrinaryLeaking urine from the vagina
Common Types

The Common Types of Cervical Abnormalities

Each type differs in cause and severity — accurate diagnosis guides the right approach to treatment.

Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (SIL)

Indicates abnormal growth of squamous cells on the surface of the cervix, denoting a precancerous condition. Also known as cervical dysplasia, it is divided into low-grade SIL and high-grade SIL.

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN)

CIN is not cancerous, but if untreated it can lead to cancer. It describes changes to the squamous cells covering the cervix, graded CIN 1 (abnormal cells cover one-third of the lining), CIN 2 (up to two-thirds) and CIN 3 (the full thickness of the lining).

Nabothian Cyst

A small bump that occurs on the cervix. The cyst appears due to tissue growth that blocks the crypts of the cervix and traps mucus behind them.

Cervicitis

A condition caused by inflammation of the cervix. It has no peculiar symptoms, but individuals may experience painful intercourse, abnormal vaginal discharge and vaginal irritation.

Cervical Ectropion

Occurs when the cells lining the inside of the cervix grow on the outside. A gynaecological condition that usually occurs in pregnant women, young women, and people taking oral contraceptive pills.

Cervical Glandular Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CGIN)

Occurs due to changes in the glandular cells that line the inner part of the cervix. If untreated, these changes can develop into adenocarcinoma, a type of cervical cancer.

Diagnosis

How Cervical Abnormalities Are Diagnosed

Accurate diagnosis identifies the presence and extent of abnormal cells so the right treatment can be planned:

  • Pap smear — a diagnostic test for abnormal cervical cells, where a small sample is removed and examined under a microscope.
  • HPV test — identifies the HPV virus that causes abnormal cells in the cervix.
  • Colposcopy — a procedure that evaluates the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix.
Treatment

Treatment for Cervical Abnormalities

Treatment aims to destroy or remove the abnormal cell growth. The right option depends on the type and severity of the changes:

  • Cold coagulation, laser therapy and cryotherapy to destroy abnormal cells in the cervix.
  • LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision) — a standard treatment for removing abnormal cells.
  • NETZ (Needle Excision of the Transformation Zone) — similar to LEEP, using a straight wire rather than a loop.
  • Cone biopsy — removal of a cone-shaped wedge of tissue from the cervix.
  • Hysterectomy — removal of the whole womb including the cervix, sometimes suggested for those past menopause or who have completed their family.
Why a Fetal Medicine Consultant

Cervical Care Before and During Pregnancy

A fetal medicine consultant can keep you up to date with cervical screening. If you're planning to become pregnant, Dr. Lida can carry out cervical screening and follow the necessary treatment to prevent complications in pregnancy. If you're already pregnant and have abnormal cervical cells, she provides the treatment needed to minimise risk factors and ensure safe delivery.

  • Cervical scans to identify a mother's existing health condition, especially for women who have had a previous preterm birth.
  • Chorionic villus sampling — an ultrasound-guided procedure to detect single-gene disorders.
  • Anomaly scans to check for fetal abnormalities.

Dr. Lida is a trained fetal medicine consultant addressing high-risk pregnancies and fetal abnormalities. She performs the necessary diagnostic tests and provides counselling before, during and after pregnancy, identifying possible early complications and implementing medical intervention at the appropriate time.

Early Detection Can Protect Your Health

Dr. Lida Anwari, a renowned gynaecologist and fetal medicine consultant in Dubai, offers cutting-edge diagnostic techniques and personalised recommendations for cervical abnormalities.

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