How does a woman acquire HIGH-GRADE SQUAMOUS INTRAEPITHELIAL LESION?
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WHAT IS A SQUAMOUS INTRAEPITHELIAL LESION?
A squamous intraepithelial lesion (commonly abbreviated SIL) is a general term for the abnormal growth of squamous cells on the surface of the cervix. Squamous cells are flat, scale-like types of epithelial cells. Epithelial cells are cells that help absorb, move, and distribute some of the fluids and nutrients in the body. The cervix is a small, cylinder-shaped organ that forms the lower part and neck of the uterus. The uterus is a hollow organ in a female's body where the egg is implanted and the baby develops.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEENA LOW GRADE AND HIGH GRADE SQUAMOUS INTRAEPITHELIAL LESION?
The terms "low grade" and "high grade" (in reference to squamous intraepithelial lesions) refers to how abnormal the cells are and how much of the cervix is affected. A low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (commonly abbreviated LGSIL) is one in which the cells are not very abnormal and not much of the cervix is affected. A high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (commonly abbreviated HGSIL) is one in which the cells are very abnormal and much of the cervix is affected.
HOW ARE SQUAMOUS INTRAEPITHELIAL LESIONS DIAGNOSED?
Squamous intraepithelial lesions are usually diagnosed with a Pap smear or colposcopy. A Pap smear is a type of test used to detect abnormal changes in cells. This is done by scraping away loose cells from the cervix, spreading (smearing) it on a glass slide, and examining it under a microscope. A colposcopy is a visual examination of the vagina and cervix with a lighted magnifying instrument, known as a colposcope. The vagina is an opening in the female's body that is part of the reproductive system.
The definitive way to diagnose a squamous intraepithelial lesion is with a biopsy done during a colposcopy. A biopsy is the process of removing living tissue or cells from organs or other body parts of patients for examination under a microscope or in a culture to help make a diagnosis, follow the course of a disease, or estimate a prognosis. A culture is an artificial way to grow cells or tissues in the laboratory.
I'm guessing you're referring to a lesion on the cervix.
It's not 'acquired', it just happens. Current thought is that it's related to the HPV virus.
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