High-grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN 2 and CIN 3)

What is high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2 and CIN 3)?

CIN 2 or 3 are high grade cervical abnormalities that are found by doing a cervical biopsy.

What causes high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2 and CIN 3)?

CIN 2 or 3 is caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).

What is the treatment?

CIN 2 and CIN 3 are considered to be pre-cancers, and are treated in most cases. Without treatment, up to one in five women with CIN 2 and one in three women with CIN 3 will eventually develop cancer. CIN 2 or 3 is usually treated by removing or destroying the abnormal area with office or same day surgical procedures (e.g., LEEP, cone, laser, or freezing procedures).

In patients younger than age 25, CIN 2 often goes away on its own. Young people may be followed using pap tests and colposcopy every six months for up to 24 months to see if their CIN 2 will go away. CIN 3 is usually treated, even in young patients.

Pregnant patients can usually safely delay treatment until after they have the baby. Those with CIN 2 or CIN 3 usually have at least one colposcopy during the pregnancy to make sure the CIN 2 or 3 is not getting worse.

Treatment is successful for most patients. If CIN 2 or CIN 3 comes back after treatment, however, the treatment can be repeated.

What can I do if I am diagnosed with CIN 2 or CIN 3?

It is important to make sure you schedule any recommended follow up appointments/tests and complete all the treatment that is recommended. If you smoke, quit now. Smoking can increase your chance of developing cancer. Use condoms to lower your risk of being exposed to HPV in the future.