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Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), also known as cervical dysplasia, is the abnormal growth of cells on the surface of the cervix that could potentially lead to cervical cancer. [1] More specifically, CIN refers to the potentially precancerous transformation of cells of the cervix.
A precancerous condition is a condition, tumor or lesion involving abnormal cells which are associated with an increased risk of developing into cancer. [1] [2] [3] Clinically, precancerous conditions encompass a variety of abnormal tissues with an increased risk of developing into cancer.
Cervical cancer screening is a medical screening test designed to identify risk of cervical cancer. Cervical screening may involve looking for viral DNA, and/or to identify abnormal, potentially precancerous cells within the cervix as well as cells that have progressed to early stages of cervical cancer .
The Papanicolaou test (abbreviated as Pap test, also known as Pap smear (AE), [1] cervical smear (BE), cervical screening (BE), [2] or smear test (BE)) is a method of cervical screening used to detect potentially precancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix (opening of the uterus or womb) or, more rarely, anus (in both men and women). [3]
Cervical cancer typically develops from precancerous changes called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia over 10 to 20 years. [3] About 90% of cervical cancer cases are squamous cell carcinomas, 10% are adenocarcinoma, and a small number are other types. [4] Diagnosis is typically by cervical screening followed by a biopsy. [2]
Endocervical curettage is a medical procedure used to extract cells of the endocervix to visualize under a microscope. Direct cervical visualization, colposcopy, and even endocervical colposcopy are not enough to fully analyze all areas of the endocervical epithelium and thus endocervical curettage is the method of choice in cases where this is necessary.
The cells on the 'outside' of the cervix are typically squamous epithelial cells. Where the two cells meet is called the transformation zone, also known as the stratified squamous epithelium . Cervical ectropion can be grossly indistinguishable from early cervical cancer and must be evaluated by a physician to determine risks and prognosis.
It functions as a lighted binocular or monocular microscope to magnify the view of the cervix, vagina, and vulvar surface. [12] [13] Low magnification (2× to 6×) may be used to obtain a general impression of the surface architecture. 8× to 25× magnification are utilized to evaluate the vagina and cervix.