Cervical cancer is a widespread oncological disease, the fourth most common among women. Cervical carcinoma mainly affects women between the ages of 30 and 44. According to data from the National Patient Organization, about 1,300 new cases are diagnosed annually in our country. Since the disease is extremely asymptomatic, its recognition in the precancerous and initial stages gives the patients a good prognosis for a complete cure. What are the precancerous conditions that precede cervical cancer? Cervical dysplasia is a precancerous condition characterized by abnormal growth (proliferation) of morphologically altered epithelial cells that do not differentiate into normal cells of the single-layer epithelium. Epithelial cells of the cervix are transformed into cancer-like cells, but do not have the ability to invade. Other terms used to refer to the condition are cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL). Cervical dysplasia occurs mainly among young women between the ages of 20 and 30, and in the absence of early diagnosis and treatment, it can progress to cervical carcinoma. There are mild, moderate and severe cervical dysplasia. Risk factors for the development of cervical dysplasia are the frequent change of sexual partners, casual and unprotected sexual contacts, initiation of sexual life at an early age, immunocompromised patients, smokers, etc. A major role in the development of cervical dysplasia is chronic infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV) and more precisely with its high-risk strains – 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59. For the early diagnosis of this precancerous condition, the main place is occupied by regular prophylaxis, such as: For women between the ages of 21 and 29 years, it is recommended that the prophylaxis consists of taking a secretion for a Pap smear every 3 years; Women between the ages of 30 and 65 are recommended to have a Pap test alone every 3 years or a combined Pap test and HPV test every 5 years. There are three groups of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN): CIN I – mild dysplasia that affects only the lower third of the epithelium; CIN II – moderate dysplasia affecting the lower two thirds of the epithelium; CIN III – severe dysplasia, in which almost all cells are morphologically altered (dysplastic). The diagnosis of cervical dysplasia is made after cytological examination. In the presence of dysplastic changes, as additional diagnostic methods, colposcopy is undertaken, during which the mucous membrane of the cervix, vagina and vulva are examined with the help of a colposcope. Dysplastically altered cells can usually be visualized by staining with special solutions. A biopsy may be taken during the colposcopy. The treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia depends on the group of dysplasia, the age of the patient,her general condition and accompanying diseases. No specific therapy is undertaken for CIN I, as the condition resolves spontaneously and malignancy may occur in only 1% of cases. In this case, a more frequent cytological examination is also recommended. In CIN II and CIN III (moderate and severe dysplasia), treatment is mandatory, and its aim is to eliminate the transformed cells. There are several methods of treatment. The first of them is the so-called loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP). During LEEP, with the help of a thin metal loop under the action of an electric current, the abnormal cone-shaped tissue in the area of ​​the cervix is ​​cut (excised). LEEP-conization. The procedure is performed under intravenous anesthesia. It is recommended that the depth of excision does not exceed 1 cm (between 5 and 8 mm) due to an increased risk of cervical stenosis. After removal of the dysplastic cells, regular follow-up of the condition by smear every 6 to 12 months is necessary. Another method that is used to treat cervical dysplasia is the cryosurgical method. In cryosurgery, abnormally low temperatures are used to remove the changed area of ​​the cervix. The method carries risks of cervical stenosis and postoperative bleeding. In extreme cases of severe and unresponsive dysplasia, removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) is required. Cervical dysplasia is a precancerous condition that is asymptomatic and can be completely cured. For the early diagnosis of cancerous changes, the realization of a screening program for cervical cancer, reaching information about the condition to a larger volume of people and personal responsibility for one’s health are of fundamental importance.In extreme cases of severe and unresponsive dysplasia, removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) is required. Cervical dysplasia is a precancerous condition that is asymptomatic and can be completely cured. For the early diagnosis of cancerous changes, the realization of a screening program for cervical cancer, reaching information about the condition to a larger volume of people and personal responsibility for one’s health are of fundamental importance.In extreme cases of severe and unresponsive dysplasia, removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) is required. Cervical dysplasia is a precancerous condition that is asymptomatic and can be completely cured. For the early diagnosis of cancerous changes, the realization of a screening program for cervical cancer, reaching information about the condition to a larger volume of people and personal responsibility for one’s health are of fundamental importance.