HSIL is due to chronic infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
This article provides an overview of HSIL.
It covers what it is, how it is treated, and what follow-up care entails.
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This is why individuals with a cervix undergo regularPap smearexams to screen for any abnormal changes to the cervix.
What Does It Mean to Have HSIL?
Beforecervical cancerforms, the cervix cells undergo abnormal changes calledcervical dysplasia.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
With HSIL, the cells appear very different from normal cells.
Is HSIL Cancer?
HSIL is not cancer, but it is more likely to become cervical cancer than LSIL.
What Happens After a HSIL Diagnosis?
With HSIL, it is not known whether there are precancerous or cancerous changes happening.
So additional testing after the Pap test is necessary to see what is happening to the cervical cells.
Treating HSIL can help prevent precancerous and cancerous changes.
In some cases, expedited treatment (treatment without doing biopsies) is recommended.
Treatment During Pregnancy
Some of the treatments used for HSIL cannot be used during pregnancy.
Younger People
Treatment choices need to be individualized in people under the age of 25.
Depending on your situation, one of these approaches may be preferred.
There are different kinds of ablative treatments.
Cryotherapy:a technique that’s used to destroy abnormal tissue by freezing it.
It is also called cryosurgery.
Thermal ablation:This is similar to cryotherapy but uses heat instead of cold to destroy tissue.
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision removes the abnormal tissue to treat it.
In some situations, excisional treatment should always be done.
This includes abnormal changes that extend into the cervical canal and more.
The primary risk with excision methods is of pregnancy complications, such as premature births, in the future.
The wire loops act as a knife, removing abnormal cervical cells.
More studies are needed to evaluate this treatment.
Topical 5-FU has been used to treat genital warts and vulvar/vaginal dysplasia.
Testing should not compromise your health.
Summary
Regular pap smear exams screen for any abnormal changes to the cervix.
This can help determine the best treatment options for you.
It is a slow-progressing disease that often takes years to develop.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
National Cancer Institute.NCI dictionary of cancer terms: HSIL.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.What is cervical dysplasia?
