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ABCMD definition of Dysplasia:

Dysplasia is an abnormality of development (abnormal growth) that causes changes in structure, shape, and size of cells and tissues.

What is Dysplasia?

The word ‘Dysplasia’ originates from the Greek root "Dys" meaning "abnormal or ill” and  "Plasia" which means "development or cellular multiplication”.

When the developmental process of cells is affected or becomes abnormal, it is termed dysplasia. Dysplasia is an abnormality in maturation of cells within a tissue. The organ where dysplasia occurs is characterized by a higher number of immature cells as compared to mature cells.

Notably, dysplasia is not a cancer but if not properly diagnosed and treated it may cause cancer. The chance of dysplasia turning into a cancerous tumor is usually very low.

What are types of Dysplasia?

There are several types of dysplasia. Some of the types are discussed below.

Cervical dysplasia refers to the condition in which abnormal cell growth on and around the cervix is found.

Ectodermal dysplasia is the condition in which an unborn child’s hair, teeth, nails, skin, inner ears and eyes do not develop normally.

Fibrous dysplasia is a condition in which the formation of bones is affected.

Fibromuscular Dysplasia is a disorder in which abnormal growth of cells narrows the width of one or more arteries.

What are the causes of dysplasia?

Different types of dysplasia have different causes. For example cervical dysplasia is caused by Human Pappiloma Virus (HPV). Smoking is also a risk factor for cervical dysplasia.

Causes are not fully known for some types of dysplasia. For example, it is not known what causes fibrous dysplasia in which the bones are deformed and scarred.

What are the symptoms of dysplasia?

In some cases there may not be any symptoms. In other cases symptoms may show up. Depending on the site of disorder, the symptoms may include bleeding, pain, redness or flaking. Pain in bones, limping, fractures or short stature may be the symptoms of fibrous dysplasia.

How is dysplasia diagnosed?

Dysplasia can be diagnosed by the digital transmission of diagnostic slides as either a nonstop or continuous flow of pictures from a “robotic microscopy” or by “static pictures (static TP)”.

It can also be diagnosed by light microscopic examination of the H&E-stained glass slides.

Cervical dysplasia is usually diagnosed by results of Pap Smear.

How is dysplasia treated?

Dysplasia is treated by using one of the following methods:

·         Cryosurgery (surgery by cold/freezing): A surgery of dysplasia in which certain instruments are used which produce intense cold in the localized parts of the body in order to freeze and destroy unwanted tissue.

·         Cryotherapy (Therapy by Cold): This is a treatment of dysplasia in which heat is removed from the affected body part by using low temperatures. Lower levels of temperature decrease the cellular metabolism (activity level) and increase the chances of survival of healthy cells. This treatment also helps in reducing pain and spasm.

·         Ablation: A surgical removal of body tissue, organ or tumor which is affected by dysplasia.

After being treated by any of these methods, the patient is kept under monitoring to detect any changes in health. In most cases dysplasia never comes back.