Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (abbreviated "CIN") is a cervical condition caused by a sexually transmitted virus called the Human Papilloma Virus. CIN is also called Cervical Dysplasia. CIN is classified as I, II or III depending on its severity. It is considered a precancerous abnormality, but not an actual cancer. The mildest form, CIN I, usually goes away on its own, although rarely it can progress to cancer. The more severe forms, CIN II and CIN III, most often stay the same or get worse with time. They can become a cancer, but almost never do if treated adequately.

Only if CIN is not discovered and not treated is there a chance that it will become cancer. For this reason, we feel it is very important to have your Pap tests on a regular basis. If it indicates a possible abnormality, colposcopy should be done. If colposcopy confirms the presence of CIN II or III, it should be treated promptly.

If the biopsies done at the time of colposcopy show you have CIN, treatment depends on the size of the lesion, its severity and whether it extends into the canal of the cervix. Here are the recommended treatments:

Since most cases of CIN I go away without treatment, it is acceptable to not treat it. However, since CIN I occasionally does not go away and rarely can become worse, it is necessary to have Pap tests frequently. We recommend Pap tests every 4 months for the 1st year and every 6 months for the 2nd year. If the problem does not get better after one year or if it becomes worse, other treatment is necessary.

Because a few cases of CIN I do not resolve or get worse, some women prefer to know that their CIN I is gone and elect to have treatment immediately. Freezing the cervix, called Cryotherapy, to destroy the abnormality is the most commonly recommended treatment. If CIN extends into the canal of the cervix, treatment with an electric wire loop, called LEEP may be necessary.

Since most cases of CIN II do not go away on their own, treatment is recommended. CIN II can be treated by freezing the cervix, called Cryotherapy, or by removing the abnormal area with an electric wire loop, called LEEP. LEEP, rather than cryotherapy, is required if the CIN extends into the canal of the cervix. Frequent Pap tests, every 4 months for the 1st year and every 6 months for the 2nd year after treatment, are recommended to make sure the abnormality has been adequately treated.

Because CIN III is the most severe pre-cancerous change in the cervix, it is important to remove it as completely as possible. Removing the abnormal area with an electric wire loop, called LEEP, is the way most CIN III is treated. Occasionally it is necessary to do a procedure called a Conization, which involves the surgical removal of the abnormal tissue, or to use laser beam treatment . These procedures usually are done under anesthesia and require a short hospital stay. Frequent Pap tests, every 4 months for the 1st year and every 6 months for the 2nd year after treatment, are recommended to make sure the abnormality has been adequately treated.