Dysplasia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Dysplasia?
The doctor depends on where the abnormal cells are. A gynecologist (a doctor for the female reproductive system) checks the cervix, and a gastroenterologist (a digestive system doctor) checks the esophagus. A pathologist, a doctor who studies tissue under a microscope, looks at biopsy samples. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is dysplasia?
Dysplasia is a term for abnormal cells within a tissue or organ. Dysplasia is not cancer, but it may sometimes become cancer.
Dysplasia can be mild, moderate, or severe. This depends on how abnormal the cells look under a microscope and how much of the tissue or organ is affected.
Cells go through abnormal changes before cancer forms. Two of these changes are called hyperplasia and dysplasia. In hyperplasia, there are more cells than usual, but they look normal under a microscope. In dysplasia, the cells look abnormal but are not cancer. Either one may or may not become cancer.
Symptoms
Dysplasia is defined by how cells look under a microscope. Cervical dysplasia means abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. Most of the time it causes no symptoms.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb).
Causes and who gets it
Cervical dysplasia can develop at any age. It is most often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus spread through sexual contact. There are many types of HPV. Some types lead to cervical dysplasia or cancer, and other types can cause genital warts.
These things may raise your risk of cervical dysplasia:
- Having sex before age 18.
- Having had multiple sexual partners.
- Having other illnesses, such as tuberculosis or HIV.
- Taking medicines that weaken the immune system.
- Smoking.
Dysplasia can also happen in the esophagus, the food pipe. People with Barrett's esophagus can develop it. In Barrett's esophagus, the lining of the esophagus becomes similar to the lining of the intestine. Barrett's esophagus occurs more often in men than women. Long-term acid reflux makes it more likely.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors look at cells under a microscope to see how abnormal they are. In the esophagus, a doctor takes tissue samples during an upper endoscopy to look for dysplasia.
For the cervix, your provider does a pelvic exam. The first test is usually a Pap test and a test for HPV. You will need more tests if a Pap test shows abnormal cells.
Your provider may do a biopsy, which removes a very small sample of tissue, to confirm the problem. This may use a colposcopy.
On a biopsy, cervical dysplasia is called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). CIN I is mild dysplasia. CIN II is moderate to marked dysplasia. CIN III is severe dysplasia.
Treatment
Treatment of cervical dysplasia depends on how severe it is. Mild dysplasia may go away without treatment. You may only need careful follow-up with repeat Pap tests every 6 to 12 months. If the changes do not go away or get worse, treatment is needed.
Treatment for moderate to severe dysplasia, or mild dysplasia that does not go away, may include:
- Cryosurgery, which freezes abnormal cells.
- Laser therapy, which uses light to burn away abnormal tissue.
- LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure), which uses electricity to remove abnormal tissue.
- Surgery to remove the abnormal tissue, called a cone biopsy.
Finding it early and treating it fast cures most cases of cervical dysplasia, but it may come back. After dysplasia, you will need repeat exams every 12 months or as your provider suggests.
Dysplasia in the esophagus is treated differently. A PPI is the medicine doctors recommend in Barrett's esophagus. A PPI lowers stomach acid. Your provider will also advise repeat endoscopies. For abnormal tissue, the recommended treatment is radiofrequency ablation. It uses heat during an endoscopy.
When to see a doctor
Do not wait if dysplasia changes do not go away or get worse. In that case, treatment is needed. Without treatment, severe cervical dysplasia may change into cervical cancer.
Contact your provider if you are age 21 or older and have never had a pelvic exam and Pap test.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can arrange screening tests such as a Pap test and refer you to a specialist if a biopsy or treatment is needed.
Common questions
Is dysplasia cancer?
No, dysplasia is not cancer. It may sometimes become cancer. The cells look abnormal under a microscope but are not cancer cells.
Does dysplasia always turn into cancer?
No. Dysplasia may or may not become cancer. Cancer is not common in Barrett's esophagus, but the risk is higher than usual, so follow-up checks matter.
Can mild dysplasia go away on its own?
Mild cervical dysplasia may go away without treatment. Changes due to HPV infection may also go away without treatment. Follow-up tests are used to check for changes.
Does dysplasia cause symptoms?
In cervical dysplasia, most of the time there are no symptoms. Pap tests and HPV tests are how providers check for it.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: dysplasia
- MedlinePlus - Cervical dysplasia
- MedlinePlus - Barrett esophagus
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
