Severe dysplasia means that the skin of the cervix is growing so rapidly
that the immature basal cells extend completely through the skin thickness to the surface
with any maturation. This is evidenced on the Pap smear as many completely immature cells
appearing on the slide. This condition, a high grade intraepithelial problem, is also
known as "CIN III." (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia,
Grade III), or "carcinoma-in-situ."
This is not cancer, but the only reason it isn't cancer is because the
immature cells have not started growing (invading) beneath the epithelium into the
underlying tissues. Because it is only one step away from invasive cancer, this is a very
dangerous condition requiring treatment.
Treatment might consist of eliminating the dysplastic cells by freezing
them (cryosurgery), vaporizing them (laser), or shaving them off with an electrified wire
loop (LEEP). In some circumstances, more extensive surgery in the form of a cervical cone
biopsy is required to eliminate the problem.
Severe Dysplasia
Severe Dysplasia on Pap smear
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