Cervical Dysplasia (cont.)
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. This
operation is used to
treat virtually all cases of invasive cervical cancer. Sometimes, a hysterectomy
is done to treat severe dysplasia. It may also be used if dysplasia recurs after
any of the other treatment procedures.
What is the prognosis (outlook) for cervical dysplasia?
Low-grade cervical dysplasia (LGSIL and/or CIN1) often spontaneously resolves
without treatment, but careful monitoring and follow-up testing is required.
Both ablation and resection of areas of cervical dysplasia cure approximately
90% of women with dysplasia, meaning that 10% of women will have a recurrence of
their abnormality after treatment, requiring additional treatment. When
untreated, high grade cervical dysplasia may progress to cervical cancer over
time. Resection and ablation therapies have been shown to reduce the risk of
developing cervical cancer by 95% in the first eight years after treatment in women
with high grade dysplasia.
Can cervical dysplasia be prevented?
A vaccine is available against four common HPV types
associated with the development of dysplasia and cervical cancer. This vaccine
(Gardasil) has received FDA approval for use in women between 9 and 26 years of
age and confers immunity against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18.
Abstinence from sexual activity can prevent the spread of HPVs that are
transmitted via sexual contact. However, some researchers believe that HPV
infection might be transmitted from the mother to infant in the birth canal,
since some studies have identified genital HPV infection in populations of young
children and cloistered nuns. Hand-genital and oral-genital transmission of HPV
has also been documented and is another means of transmission.
HPV is transmitted by direct genital contact. The virus is
not found in or spread by bodily fluids, and HPV is not found in blood or organs
harvested for transplantation. Condom use seems to decrease the risk of
transmission of HPV during sexual activity but does not completely prevent HPV
infection. Spermicides and hormonal birth control methods do not prevent the spread of HPV
infection.
Next: Cervical Dysplasia At A Glance »
- Gardasil (HPV Vaccine) - Gardasil HPV vaccine (recombinant human papillomavirus quadrivalent vaccine) drug class, prescription, injection, preparation, storage, dosage, drug interaction, pregnancy and nursing, and side effects information.
- Pap Smear - Read about Pap smear, a test to screen for cervical cancer, and precancerous changes in the cervix. Risk factors for abnormal Pap include HPV, smoking medicaitons, and a weakened immune system.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) - Learn and become aware of common STDs in women, including descriptions, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of each type of infection.
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