Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), also known as cervical dysplasia, is the abnormal growth of cells on the surface of the <a href="/facts/Cervix/qw3gl8Pq">cervix</a> that could potentially lead to <a href="/facts/Cervical_cancer/99vngUyd">cervical cancer</a>. More specifically, CIN refers to the potentially <a href="/facts/Precancerous_condition/cU1R35vW">precancerous</a> transformation of cells of the cervix.
CIN most commonly occurs at the <a href="/facts/Transformation_zone/qw3gl8Pq">squamocolumnar junction</a> of the cervix, a transitional area between the <a href="/facts/Squamous_epithelial_cell/ecKHcHC3">squamous epithelium</a> of the vagina and the columnar epithelium of the <a href="/facts/Endocervix/mX2gd3vU">endocervix</a>. It can also occur in vaginal walls and vulvar epithelium. CIN is graded on a 1–3 scale, with 3 being the most abnormal (see classification section below).
Human papillomavirus (<a href="/facts/Human_papillomavirus_infection/7XW8mjG2">HPV</a>) infection is necessary for the development of CIN, but not all with this infection develop cervical cancer. Many women with HPV infection never develop CIN or cervical cancer. Typically, HPV resolves on its own. However, those with an HPV infection that lasts more than one or two years have a higher risk of developing a higher grade of CIN.
Like other <a href="/facts/Intraepithelial_neoplasia/vzWH7YH8">intraepithelial neoplasias</a>, CIN is not cancer and is usually curable. Most cases of CIN either remain stable or are eliminated by the person's <a href="/facts/Immune_system/HRCTf1pb">immune system</a> without need for intervention. However, a small percentage of cases progress to <a href="/facts/Cervical_cancer/99vngUyd">cervical cancer</a>, typically <a href="/facts/Squamous_cell_carcinoma/AkoAvh1P">cervical squamous cell carcinoma</a> (SCC), if left untreated.

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia open-in-new

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia