Sexual Health STDs Diagnosis What a Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Diagnosis Means By Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 12, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Doru Paul, MD Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Doru Paul, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), or cervical neoplasia, is a particular type of change in the cervix that may or may not be a precursor to cervical cancer. In fact, a cervical neoplasia diagnosis can apply to a wide range of changes to the cervix. These changes can range from self-resolving mild to moderate cervical dysplasia to the early stages of cervical cancer. Science Photo Library / Getty Images Defining Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia The cervical in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia has an obvious meaning. It refers to the uterine cervix. To understand what cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is, it helps to understand the other terms as well. Intraepithelial means "within the epithelium." The muscular structure of the cervix is covered with layers of several types of epithelial cells. It is these cells that are affected by cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Neoplasia refers to abnormal or uncontrolled cell growth. Thus, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is abnormal cell growth within the layers of epithelial cells that cover the cervix. When diagnosed by Pap smear, cervical dysplasias are generally known as squamous intracellular lesions (SIL) instead of cervical interepithelial neoplasias. The cervical neoplasia diagnosis is reserved for diagnosis by biopsy or colposcopy. This is because Pap smears provide the examiner with loose cells. In contrast, biopsies allow them to see any cervical damage in context. This gives healthcare providers the ability to perform a more accurate diagnosis. Grading Cervical neoplasias are diagnosed by biopsy and graded according to their severity as follows: Grade Definition CIN I Mild dysplasia CIN II Mild to moderate dysplasia CIN III Severe dysplasia to cancer CIN I People who are diagnosed with CIN I are generally not treated, as this type of cervical damage often heals without intervention. Instead, they are followed up closely by their healthcare provider. That may include more frequent Pap smears, HPV testing, or possibly colposcopy. CIN I correlates with a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) diagnosis from a Pap smear. CIN II and CIN III CIN II and CIN III correspond to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H), atypical glandular cells (AGC), or carcinoma in situ Pap smear diagnoses. In contrast to CIN I patients, those with either of these two grades are almost always referred for treatment. Treatment for moderate to severe cervical neoplasias involves the removal of the lesions, which can be done through: Cryotherapy Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) Conization Even after treatment to remove the lesion, individuals with high-grade cervical neoplasias remain at increased risk of developing cervical cancer in the future. They are generally advised to continue visiting their healthcare providers for more frequent follow-up. Does Cervical Neoplasia Mean Cancer? Being diagnosed with cervical neoplasia does not mean you have cancer. It doesn't even mean that you are going to get cancer. What it does mean is that you are probably at an increased risk of developing cancer at some point in the future. That is particularly true if you are diagnosed with CIN II or CIN III. Your absolute cancer risk is still low after a CIN II or III diagnosis. However, your healthcare provider will probably recommend regular follow-up. That will help make sure they can catch cancer early if it does develop. Early diagnosis and treatment is a critical step in limiting mortality from cervical cancer. Cervical Dysplasia Treatment Options Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 6 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Cancer Institute. Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia. Mello V, Sundstrom RK. Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. American Cancer Society. Tests for Cervical Cancer. Wright JD. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: Management. Waxman AG, Chelmow D, Darragh TM, et al. Revised terminology for cervical histopathology and its implications for management of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix. Obstet Gynecol. 2012;120(6):1465-1471. doi:10.1097/aog.0b013e31827001d5 Melnikow J, McGahan C, Sawaya GF, et al. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia outcomes after treatment: long-term follow-up from the British Columbia Cohort Study. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2009;101(10):721-728. doi:10.1093/jnci/djp089 Additional Reading Kalliala I, Dyba T, Nieminen P, Hakulinen T, Anttila A. Mortality in a long-term follow-up after treatment of CIN. Int J Cancer. 2010 Jan 1;126(1):224-31. doi:10.1002/ijc.24713 National Cancer Institute. Neoplasm. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies