Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The cause of CIN is chronic infection of the cervix with HPV, especially infection with high-risk HPV types 16 or 18. It is thought that the high-risk HPV infections have the ability to inactivate tumor suppressor genes such as the p53 gene and the RB gene, thus allowing the infected cells to grow unchecked and accumulate successive mutations, eventually leading to cancer.
High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL or HGSIL) indicates moderate or severe cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or carcinoma in situ. It is usually diagnosed following a Pap test. In some cases these lesions can lead to invasive cervical cancer, if not followed appropriately. [citation needed] HSIL does not mean that cancer is present.
Sometimes, the term "precancer" is also used for carcinoma in situ, which is a noninvasive cancer that has not grown and spread to nearby tissue, unlike the invasive stage. As with other precancerous conditions, not all carcinoma in situ will become an invasive disease but is at risk of doing so.
The World Health Organization classification system was descriptive of the lesions, naming them mild, moderate, or severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ (CIS). [ 66 ] [ 67 ] The term cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) was developed to place emphasis on the spectrum of abnormality in these lesions, and to help standardize treatment. [ 67 ]
The term carcinoma in situ may be used interchangeably with high-grade SIL. [8] Ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast is the most common precancer in women. Bowen's disease is a squamous carcinoma in situ of the skin. Colon polyps often contain areas of CIS that will almost always transform into colon cancer if left untreated.
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.
Get AOL Mail for FREE! Manage your email like never before with travel, photo & document views. Personalize your inbox with themes & tabs. You've Got Mail!
The cervix is divided into two parts based on the types of cells. The outer portion of the cervix is called the ectocervix, while the inner portion of the cervix is the endocervix. These two portions of the cervix have different types of cells. The area where the endocervix and ectocervix meet is known as the transformation zone.