Understanding Colposcopy Results: HSIL, Cervicitis & Dysplasia Explained

Question
i recently had a colposocpoy and the results confuse me can you help explain they say I have HSIL, and that sections show cervicitis and reactive changes associated with squamous atypia which is suspicous for low grade squamous dysplasia, and that rare small fragments of dysplastic squames are present, and they have high grade nuclear features.What does all this mean?

Answer
Dear Kristina,

HSIL is high-grade SIL (squamous intraepithelial lesion). Squamous is a kind of flat cell found covering much of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. Intraepithelial means within the protective layers of cells (epithelium). Lesion is an area of abnormality. SIL is divided into LSIL (low-grade SIL) and HSIL (high-grade SIL) depending upon how abnormal the cells are.

Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix. "Reactive changes associated with squamous atypia" would mean simply that your cervix shows changes in reaction to the the HSIL or the dysplasia of the cervical cells.

In summary, it all means that the cervical cells show various grades of abnormality, but that there is enough there to classify it as high-grade SIL.

Right now the treatment for HSIL is to remove the tissue. The findings are pre-cancerous, but HSIL is the most serious stage without being cancer. Tissue removal can be done in several ways, most commonly by a cone procedure. The "cone" refers to the shape of the piece or tissue removed. The most common methods of obtaining a cone are:
*Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) - This procedure is performed in the office.
*Cold Knife Cone - This procedure is done in the operating room, using a scalpel.
*Laser Ablation - This procedure is done in the operating room. A laser is used to destroy the surface cells. The disadvantage of ablation is that there is no tissue for pathologic examination.
*Cryotherapy - This procedure is done in the office. It is similar to freezing off a wart. An instrument is held against the cervix and freezes the surface. The disadvantage of this procedure is that there is no tissue for pathologic examination.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda