CIN2

CIN2, or Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia grade 2, is a medical condition characterized by moderate to severe dysplasia of the cells on the surface of the cervix. It is considered a precancerous condition, meaning that if left untreated, it has the potential to develop into cervical cancer. CIN2 falls between CIN1 (mild dysplasia) and CIN3 (severe dysplasia/carcinoma in situ).

The primary cause of CIN2 is a persistent infection with certain high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection, and while most infections are cleared by the immune system, some high-risk strains can integrate into the cervical cells and cause abnormal changes over time. Other risk factors include early age at first sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, smoking, and a weakened immune system.

Diagnosis of CIN2 is typically made through a Pap smear (cytology test) which screens for abnormal cervical cells, followed by a colposcopy and a cervical biopsy for confirmation. During a colposcopy, a magnifying instrument is used to examine the cervix, and if abnormal areas are seen, a small sample of tissue is removed for microscopic examination.

Treatment for CIN2 aims to remove the abnormal cells to prevent them from progressing to cancer. Common treatment options include LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure), cryotherapy (freezing the abnormal cells), or cold knife conization (surgical removal of a cone-shaped piece of cervix). Regular follow-up Pap smears are important after treatment to ensure the abnormal cells have been completely removed and have not returned.