What Are the Causes of Dysplasia?
Cervical dysplasia is a precancerous condition in the inner lining of the cervix. Dysplasia can be found through a Pap smear or a cervical biopsy, says Dr. Melissa Condrad Stoppler, an anatomic pathologist. Dysplasia may have several causes.
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Infection
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Cervical dysplasia is caused by the human papillomavirus. There are many types of HPV, but only a few are found in a woman’s reproductive tract.
Advancing Age
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Dysplasia is not fully understood by doctors, Stoppler says. However, some physicians believe that advancing in age is a factor that causes cervical dysplasia in women.
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Infection
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The duration of an HPV infection may also play a role in the developing of dysplasia. The longer you have HPV, the more likely you are to have precancerous cells.
High-Risk HPV
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There are two types of HPV that are considered to be high-risk infections that cause dysplasia. These types of HPV are the HPV-16 and HPV-18.
Smoking
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If you have HPV, smoking may contribute to the formation of precancerous cells. Any other action that suppresses the immune system may also contribute to dysplasia.
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References
Resources
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