What is severe dysplasia of the cervix?

Severe dysplasia is the most serious of the three classification categories of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, according to Healthline. Severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ is cancer that has not spread below the surface layer.

Cervical dysplasia is a condition in which the cervix contains abnormal cells, explains Healthline. The abnormal cells are not cancerous but can develop into cancer. A particularly high-risk strain of human papilloma virus, a sexually transmitted disease, is the cause of cervical dysplasia. There are usually no symptoms of cervical dysplasia, and the cell changes are not evident. Doctors typically discover dysplasia by performing Pap smears. Treatment for moderate or severe dysplasia may include cryosurgery, laser surgery, LEEP or a cone biopsy.