Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is and Isn’t CancerLearning From TestingPossible Meaning of ResultsSymptoms Based on Body PartTreatmentManaging During Wait and WatchLifestyle and Healthful Habits
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is and Isn’t Cancer
Learning From Testing
Possible Meaning of Results
Symptoms Based on Body Part
Treatment
Managing During Wait and Watch
Lifestyle and Healthful Habits
Dysplasiais 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 areprecancerous,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.
Defining Dysplasia: What Is and Isn’t Cancer
Affected Body Parts
Dysplasia can affect almost any body part. Some types of precancerous dysplasia are:
Types of developmental dysplasia include:
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).
Types of Abnormal Cell Growth
Hyperplasia: 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).
Since there are often no symptoms, you might learn you have cervical or vaginal dysplasia following routine screening with aPap testor colon dysplasia following a screeningcolonoscopy.
If you have signs or symptoms of dysplasia, your healthcare provider may order diagnostic testing, such as a Pap test,colposcopy, orbiopsy, to examine cells under a microscope. In the case of developmental dysplasia, your provider may order diagnostic imaging tests, such asultrasoundorX-ray, based on signs and symptoms.
In general, dysplasia is identified as:
Your lab report will have different details depending on the type of dysplasia and the type of test. Cervical dysplasia on a Pap test is asquamous intraepithelial lesion(SIL). Your Pap report may show results such as:
Cervical dysplasia on a biopsy report is calledcervical intraepithelial neoplasia(CIN), which is shown as:
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 Part
It’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:
In 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:
But your provider may recommend starting treatment right away for a variety of reasons, including:
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:
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 Watch
If 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:
Try to spend some time outdoors. Many studies show the benefits of actual or even virtual exposure to nature on mental health.
Can Dysplasia Go Away on Its Own?Mild dysplasia often resolves on its own.
Can Dysplasia Go Away on Its Own?
Mild dysplasia often resolves on its own.
Some lifestyle factors can help cut the risk of developing certain cancers. These include:
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.
23 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.Dysplasia.World Health Organization.Cervical cancer.American Cancer Society.What do doctors look for biopsy and cytology samples?Moffitt Cancer Center.What are precancerous cells?National Cancer Institute.Myelodysplastic syndromes treatment.National Foundation of Ectodermal Dysplasias.Classifying each syndrome.International Hip Dysplasia Institute.What is hip dysplasia?Krakow D.Skeletal dysplasias.Clin Perinatol. 2015;42(2):301-viii. doi:10.1016/j.clp.2015.03.003National Cancer Institute. SEER Training Modules.Cancer terms.Giroux V, Rustgi AK.Metaplasia: tissue injury adaptation and a precursor to the dysplasia-cancer sequence.Nat Rev Cancer. 2017;17(10):594-604. doi:10.1038/nrc.2017.68MedlinePlus.Cervical dysplasia.MD Anderson Cancer Center.Colon polyps: 10 things to know.Nemours KidsHealth.Developmental dysplasia of the hip.NYU Langone Health.Types of abnormal pap test results.National Cancer Institute.Understanding cervical changes.Yale Medicine.Cervical dysplasia.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Developmental dysplasia of the hip.Gupta S, Nagtode N, Chandra V, Gomase K.From diagnosis to treatment: exploring the latest management trends in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.Cureus.2023;15(12):e50291. doi:10.7759/cureus.50291The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Abnormal cervical cancer screening results.Boston Children’s Hospital.Hip dysplasia.Toussaint L, Nguyen QA, Roettger C, et al.Effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and guided imagery in promoting psychological and physiological states of relaxation.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.2021;2021:1-8. doi:10.1155/2021/5924040Browning MHEM, Shin S, Drong G, et al.Daily exposure to virtual nature reduces symptoms of anxiety in college students.Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):1239. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-28070-9UC Davis Health.7 Lifestyle tips to reduce your cancer risk.
23 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.Dysplasia.World Health Organization.Cervical cancer.American Cancer Society.What do doctors look for biopsy and cytology samples?Moffitt Cancer Center.What are precancerous cells?National Cancer Institute.Myelodysplastic syndromes treatment.National Foundation of Ectodermal Dysplasias.Classifying each syndrome.International Hip Dysplasia Institute.What is hip dysplasia?Krakow D.Skeletal dysplasias.Clin Perinatol. 2015;42(2):301-viii. doi:10.1016/j.clp.2015.03.003National Cancer Institute. SEER Training Modules.Cancer terms.Giroux V, Rustgi AK.Metaplasia: tissue injury adaptation and a precursor to the dysplasia-cancer sequence.Nat Rev Cancer. 2017;17(10):594-604. doi:10.1038/nrc.2017.68MedlinePlus.Cervical dysplasia.MD Anderson Cancer Center.Colon polyps: 10 things to know.Nemours KidsHealth.Developmental dysplasia of the hip.NYU Langone Health.Types of abnormal pap test results.National Cancer Institute.Understanding cervical changes.Yale Medicine.Cervical dysplasia.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Developmental dysplasia of the hip.Gupta S, Nagtode N, Chandra V, Gomase K.From diagnosis to treatment: exploring the latest management trends in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.Cureus.2023;15(12):e50291. doi:10.7759/cureus.50291The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Abnormal cervical cancer screening results.Boston Children’s Hospital.Hip dysplasia.Toussaint L, Nguyen QA, Roettger C, et al.Effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and guided imagery in promoting psychological and physiological states of relaxation.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.2021;2021:1-8. doi:10.1155/2021/5924040Browning MHEM, Shin S, Drong G, et al.Daily exposure to virtual nature reduces symptoms of anxiety in college students.Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):1239. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-28070-9UC Davis Health.7 Lifestyle tips to reduce your cancer risk.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Cancer Institute.Dysplasia.World Health Organization.Cervical cancer.American Cancer Society.What do doctors look for biopsy and cytology samples?Moffitt Cancer Center.What are precancerous cells?National Cancer Institute.Myelodysplastic syndromes treatment.National Foundation of Ectodermal Dysplasias.Classifying each syndrome.International Hip Dysplasia Institute.What is hip dysplasia?Krakow D.Skeletal dysplasias.Clin Perinatol. 2015;42(2):301-viii. doi:10.1016/j.clp.2015.03.003National Cancer Institute. SEER Training Modules.Cancer terms.Giroux V, Rustgi AK.Metaplasia: tissue injury adaptation and a precursor to the dysplasia-cancer sequence.Nat Rev Cancer. 2017;17(10):594-604. doi:10.1038/nrc.2017.68MedlinePlus.Cervical dysplasia.MD Anderson Cancer Center.Colon polyps: 10 things to know.Nemours KidsHealth.Developmental dysplasia of the hip.NYU Langone Health.Types of abnormal pap test results.National Cancer Institute.Understanding cervical changes.Yale Medicine.Cervical dysplasia.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Developmental dysplasia of the hip.Gupta S, Nagtode N, Chandra V, Gomase K.From diagnosis to treatment: exploring the latest management trends in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.Cureus.2023;15(12):e50291. doi:10.7759/cureus.50291The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Abnormal cervical cancer screening results.Boston Children’s Hospital.Hip dysplasia.Toussaint L, Nguyen QA, Roettger C, et al.Effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and guided imagery in promoting psychological and physiological states of relaxation.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.2021;2021:1-8. doi:10.1155/2021/5924040Browning MHEM, Shin S, Drong G, et al.Daily exposure to virtual nature reduces symptoms of anxiety in college students.Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):1239. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-28070-9UC Davis Health.7 Lifestyle tips to reduce your cancer risk.
National Cancer Institute.Dysplasia.
World Health Organization.Cervical cancer.
American Cancer Society.What do doctors look for biopsy and cytology samples?
Moffitt Cancer Center.What are precancerous cells?
National Cancer Institute.Myelodysplastic syndromes treatment.
National Foundation of Ectodermal Dysplasias.Classifying each syndrome.
International Hip Dysplasia Institute.What is hip dysplasia?
Krakow D.Skeletal dysplasias.Clin Perinatol. 2015;42(2):301-viii. doi:10.1016/j.clp.2015.03.003
National Cancer Institute. SEER Training Modules.Cancer terms.
Giroux V, Rustgi AK.Metaplasia: tissue injury adaptation and a precursor to the dysplasia-cancer sequence.Nat Rev Cancer. 2017;17(10):594-604. doi:10.1038/nrc.2017.68
MedlinePlus.Cervical dysplasia.
MD Anderson Cancer Center.Colon polyps: 10 things to know.
Nemours KidsHealth.Developmental dysplasia of the hip.
NYU Langone Health.Types of abnormal pap test results.
National Cancer Institute.Understanding cervical changes.
Yale Medicine.Cervical dysplasia.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Developmental dysplasia of the hip.
Gupta S, Nagtode N, Chandra V, Gomase K.From diagnosis to treatment: exploring the latest management trends in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.Cureus.2023;15(12):e50291. doi:10.7759/cureus.50291
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Abnormal cervical cancer screening results.
Boston Children’s Hospital.Hip dysplasia.
Toussaint L, Nguyen QA, Roettger C, et al.Effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and guided imagery in promoting psychological and physiological states of relaxation.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.2021;2021:1-8. doi:10.1155/2021/5924040
Browning MHEM, Shin S, Drong G, et al.Daily exposure to virtual nature reduces symptoms of anxiety in college students.Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):1239. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-28070-9
UC Davis Health.7 Lifestyle tips to reduce your cancer risk.
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