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.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
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.
In some cases, there are several treatment options.
Treating some types can help prevent cancer from ever developing.
It’s not acancerdiagnosis.
Normal healthy cells sometimes change abnormally, leading to dysplasia.
Under a microscope, these cells can appear mildly, moderately, or severely abnormal.
These cells can’t invade nearby tissue and may or may not develop into cancer.
The risk of dysplasia turning cancerous without treatment varies by throw in and level of severity.
It can take 15-20 years for abnormal cervical cells to become cancer.
It can happen faster if you have a weakened immune system.
Cancer cellshave varying abnormal sizes and shapes and are arranged differently than healthy cells.
The nucleus of a cancer cell usually has too muchDNAand appears larger and darker than a normal nucleus.
Cancer cells can invade nearby tissue.Without treatment, cancer will continue to grow and spread.
Affected Body Parts
Dysplasia can affect almost any body part.
Cervical dysplasia on a Pap test is asquamous intraepithelial lesion(SIL).
However, most women who have abnormal cervical screening results don’t have cancer.
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.
Repeat Dysplasia Testing
Dysplasia means that abnormal cells have been found.
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.
Some ways to help manage anxiety include:
give a shot to spend some time outdoors.
Many studies show the benefits of actual or even virtual exposure to nature on mental health.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, speak with your healthcare provider about your options.
Can Dysplasia Go Away on Its Own?
Mild dysplasia often resolves on its own.
Lifestyle and Healthful Habits
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.
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