Cervical abnormalities
Cervical Abnormalities - An Overview
Cervical abnormalities may sound threatening, but they’re more common than you think! These abnormalities refer to any changes or irregularities in the cervix cells. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the womb. The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina. Most of the time, these cervical abnormalities are mild and go away independently. However, the mild changes may lead to severe health conditions if left untreated.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus many people encounter at some point. There are vaccines available that can help prevent certain types of HPV and reduce your risk of developing cervical abnormalities.
What are the common types of cervical abnormalities?
The common types of cervical abnormalities include,
Squamous Intraepithelial lesions or SIL
The condition indicates abnormal growth of squamous cells on the cervix surface, denoting a precancerous condition. It’s also known as cervical dysplasia and is divided into low-grade SIL and high-grade SIL.
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
CIN is not a cancerous condition; if untreated, it can lead to cancer. CIN is the changes that occur to the squamous cells that cover the cervix. It has three grades and relates to how deeply the abnormal cells have gone into the cervix.
CIN 1 – It’s the low grade where abnormal cells cover one-third of the lining of the cervix
CIN 2 – It’s the high grade where abnormal cells cover up to two-thirds of the lining of the cervix
CIN 3 is also high-grade, and abnormal cells cover the full thickness of the cervix’s lining.
While deciding on treatment, doctors consider the cell abnormality, whether severe, mild, or moderate, and the CIN level. The treatment aims to destroy the abnormal cell growth. CIN 1 requires cell changes and returns to a normal state over time. CIN 2 requires continuous monitoring and treatment. CIN 3 requires treatment.
Nabothian cyst
It’s a small bump that occurs on the cervix. The cyst appears due to tissue growth that blocks the cervix crypts and traps mucus.
Cervicitis
Cervicitis is a condition that happens due to inflammation of the cervix. It has no peculiar symptoms, but individuals may experience painful intercourse, abnormal vaginal discharge, and vaginal irritation.
Cervical ectropion
It occurs when the cells inside the lining of the cervix grow on the outside. It’s a gynaecological condition and usually occurs in pregnant women, young women, and people taking oral contraceptive pills.
Cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia or CGIN
CGIN occurs due to changes in the glandular cells that line the inner part of the cervix. If it’s untreated, these changes develop into adenocarcinoma, a type of cervical cancer.
What are the symptoms of Cervical abnormalities?
- Bleeding after menopause, sex, or between periods
- The vaginal discharge has a strong odour, watery or with blood stains
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Leg pain
- Leaking urine from the vagina
- Prolonged periods
How to diagnose cervical abnormalities?
A pap smear is a diagnostic test for abnormal cervical cells. A small sample of these abnormal cells are removed and examined under a microscope.
HPV test identifies the HPV virus that causes abnormal cells in the cervix.
Colposcopy is a procedure that evaluates the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix.
Treatment for cervical abnormalities
Cold coagulation, laser therapy, and cryotherapy are the treatments to destroy abnormal cells in the cervix.
LEEP or Loop electrosurgical excision is a standard treatment for removing abnormal cells.
Colposcopy uses a thin wire to remove the cervix’s transformation zone.
NETZ, or Needle excision of the transformative zone, is similar to the LEEP procedure. Still, the colposcopist uses a straight wire rather than a loop.
In a cone biopsy, the doctor removes a cone-shaped wedge of tissue from the cervix.
Hysterectomy is the removal of your whole womb, including the cervix. If you’re past menopause or completed your family, doctors suggest a hysterectomy.
Why seek a consultation with a fetal medicine specialist?
A fetal medicine specialist can keep you up-to-date with cervical screening. If you’re planning to become pregnant, consult Dr Lida for cervical screening and follow the treatment to prevent complications in pregnancy. If you’re pregnant already and have abnormal cervical cells, Dr Lida provides necessary treatment to minimize the risk factors and ensure safe delivery.
Dr Lida helps with cervical abnormalities in a number of ways including,
- Cervical scans to identify mother’s existing health condition especially women who had previous preterm birth.
- Chorionic villus sampling is an ultrasound guided procedure to detect any single-gene disorders
- Anomaly scans to check for the fetal abnormalities
Dr Lida is a trained fetal medicine specialist addressing high-risk pregnancies and fetal abnormalities. She performs necessary diagnostic tests and provides counseling before, during, and after pregnancy. With regular prenatal care, she identifies the possible early complications and implements the medical intervention at the appropriate time.
Get specialist care for high-risk pregnancies and manage the post-delivery issues with Dr Lida, renowned Maternal fetal medicine specialist in Dubai.
Consult Dr Lida Anwari - Best treatment for cervical abnormalities
Dr Lida Anwari is a renowned gynaecologist and fetal medicine specialist in Dubai. She is committed to providing excellent women’s healthcare services. With cutting-edge diagnostic techniques and state-of-the-art facilities, women receive the highest care and support to restore their health.
Early detection can save you from cervical abnormalities. Consult Dr Lida Anwari for personalized recommendations.
Book an appointment today!