Receiving an abnormal Pap test or a diagnosis of cervical dysplasia often causes a great deal of concern. This is normal: these terms are unfamiliar, and it’s easy to associate them directly with cancer. However, cervical dysplasia is not cancer, and when detected early, it has a very good prognosis.
In this article, we explain what cervical dysplasia is, how it relates to HPV, when conization is recommended, and what the recovery process is like.
Cervical dysplasia is a change in the cells of the cervix, almost always caused by a persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Conization is a simple procedure that removes the affected area to prevent these lesions from progressing.
What is cervical dysplasia?
Cervical dysplasia is the presence of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix, the part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is not cancer, but a precancerous condition: if it is not monitored or treated when necessary, some lesions may progress over the years.
It usually does not cause any symptoms. That is why it is detected during gynecological exams, through Pap tests and HPV testing.
Grades of dysplasia: CIN 1, CIN 2, and CIN 3
Dysplasia is classified based on the depth of the affected cells. In reports, you may encounter two different classifications:
| Degree | What does it mean? | Everyday Driving |
|---|---|---|
| CIN 1 or LSIL (mild dysplasia) | It affects only the outermost layer of the epithelium. | It usually goes away on its own. It is monitored without treatment. |
| CIN 2 or HSIL (moderate dysplasia) | It affects a deeper layer of the epithelium. | It may require excisional treatment, although in selected cases close monitoring may be considered, especially if the patient wishes to have children. |
| CIN 3 or HSIL (severe dysplasia) | It affects nearly the entire thickness of the epithelium. | Treatment with conization is recommended. |
The Relationship Between HPV and Cervical Dysplasia
HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection. Most infections clear up on their own within one or two years, but when a high-risk HPV infection persists over time, it can cause cellular changes that lead to cervical dysplasia.
That's why a positive HPV test result doesn't mean you have a lesion, but it does mean you should get follow-up care. We explain this in detail in our article on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Symptoms, Treatment, and Overview.
How is it detected? From an abnormal Pap test to colposcopy
The diagnostic process typically follows these steps:
- Pap Smear and HPV Test: are part of cervical cancer screening. An abnormal Pap test or a positive result for high-risk HPV indicates that the cervix needs to be examined more closely.
- Colposcopy: The gynecologist examines the cervix using a magnifying device after applying a solution that highlights abnormal areas.
- Biopsy: If a suspicious area is found, a small sample is taken for analysis. The results confirm whether dysplasia is present and, if so, its grade.
If you want to know which tests are included in the screening program and how often to take them, you can read our article on a comprehensive gynecological exam, a Pap test, and an HPV test.
What is a conization?
Cervical conization is a procedure that removes a small, cone-shaped portion of the cervix where the lesion is located. It has two objectives: to remove the abnormal cells and to analyze the removed tissue to confirm the diagnosis and verify that the lesion has been completely removed.
The most commonly used technique is diathermy loop conization, also known as LEEP, which uses a thin metal loop carrying an electric current to cut and coagulate simultaneously.
When is a conization recommended?
Cervical conization is primarily indicated in the following cases:
- Moderate or severe dysplasia (CIN 2 or CIN 3) confirmed by biopsy.
- Discrepancy between a high-grade cytology result and a colposcopy or biopsy that does not confirm it.
- Lesions that cannot be fully evaluated by colposcopy.
- In some cases, low-grade lesions persist for a long time.
The decision is always made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account age, the desire to become pregnant, and the results of all tests.
How is a conization performed?
During the speech
- It's an outpatient procedure: you go home the same day.
- It is usually performed under local anesthesia, although sedation is used in some cases.
- It lasts approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
After the procedure
- The removed tissue is sent for analysis.
- The result indicates the extent of the lesion and whether the margins are clear.
- Your gynecologist will explain the results and the follow-up plan to you.
Recovery After a Conization
Recovery is usually quick, and most women return to their normal lives within a few days. During the following weeks, it is common to:
- You may experience light discharge or light bleeding for two to four weeks while your cervix heals.
- You may experience mild discomfort, similar to menstrual cramps, during the first few days.
- It's normal for your first period after a conization to be a little heavier.
To promote healing, it is recommended that you avoid penetrative sex, tampons, menstrual cups, and swimming in pools, the ocean, or a bathtub for about four weeks, or for as long as your gynecologist recommends. As for taking time off work following a cervical conization, it depends on the type of work: in many cases, just a few days of rest are sufficient.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience heavier bleeding than a normal period, a fever, severe pain, or foul-smelling discharge.
Is HPV removed after a conization?
Conization removes the lesion, but not always the virus. In many women, the HPV infection clears up within the following months, although in others it may persist. That is why follow-up is essential: the first follow-up visit is usually scheduled six months later and includes an HPV test and a Pap test, with subsequent visits depending on the results.
If the six-month follow-up is normal, the risk of persistence or recurrence decreases, but follow-up should continue according to the protocol recommended by your gynecologist, since having had a high-grade cervical lesion requires specific follow-up tests. Your gynecologist may also discuss HPV vaccination with you after the conization, as it can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Conization and Pregnancy
A conization does not prevent you from getting pregnant. In some cases, especially if the cone is large or if you’ve had more than one conization, it may slightly increase the risk of preterm birth. That’s why it’s important to tell your obstetrician that you’ve had a conization so they can take this into account during your prenatal care.
Gynecologist in Las Palmas and Telde for the monitoring of cervical dysplasia
If you're looking for a gynecologist in Las Palmas or a gynecologist in Telde Whether you need to evaluate an abnormal Pap test, a positive HPV test, or follow-up care after a conization, Ginelux is here to help. Our gynecology team reviews each case, explains the results to you in detail, and arranges the tests and follow-up care you need.
Ginelux is located in Telde and serves women throughout Gran Canaria. If you want to know what to consider when choosing a clinic, you can read our article on the Gynecological exam in Las Palmas.
Gynecology Clinic in Gran Canaria
If you have an abnormal Pap test, a diagnosis of cervical dysplasia, or questions about a conization, you can schedule an appointment with the gynecology team at Ginelux in Telde.
Contact Ginelux →This text is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for an individual medical consultation or evaluation. The diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cervical dysplasia should be evaluated based on each woman’s individual circumstances. If you have any questions or symptoms, consult your gynecologist.