Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion

There are different types of cells that are present in different parts of the body. The structure and function of each cell differs depending on its location and role in a particular organ. Squamous cells are the small, flat cells that are present in most organs of the body. These cells are also present in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. However, when there are abnormalities seen in these squamous cells, then, depending on the severity of the condition, it can lead to either low-grade or high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions.

Causes of LGSIL
The causes of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or LGSIL are varied and highly debatable. There are many risk factors associated with this condition. These include women who smoke, women who have multiple sexual partners, women who become sexually active at an early age, etc. One of the stipulated causes of LGSIL include healing from a minor injury in the cervical region. However, one of the most important causes associated with this condition is HPV or human papillomavirus. This is a virus that gets transmitted by sexual contact with an infected person. This is a virus that lodges itself in the cervix and causes epithelial changes in the cervix. Some people claim that the exact cause of this disease cannot be identified.

Diagnosis of LGSIL
LGSIL is an asymptomatic condition, hence, it is more or less almost always found only on a routine Pap smear test. This is a test wherein any kind of abnormal changes in the cervix or adjacent regions is checked for. With the help of this test, the cells that are obtained from the ectocervix region are studied and then, if abnormal Pap smears in the form of changes in squamous epithelial cells is noted, a diagnosis of LGSIL is made. This means that there is mild dysplasia seen and in the form of benign intraepithelial neoplasia in the cervix region.

Treatment for LGSIL
There is no need for treatment of LGSIL because this condition more or less always resolves on its own in a time span of around two years or less. Most doctors prefer to use the 'wait and watch' method while dealing with LGSIL. The reason why this condition needs to be closely monitored is because around every one out of ten cases progress into severe dysplasia. In such cases, during the follow-up, the doctor may tend to use slightly more aggressive and invasive methods to check for any progress of abnormalities. This includes making use of biopsies and colposcopies. If the woman has any risk factors associated with her condition, like if she is suffering from HPV or has multiple sexual partners, then she may be advised to abstain from promiscuous sexual activity so as not to aggravate her condition. However, if she happens to have a large area that has LGSIL in her cervix, then the doctor may choose to destroy the cells with the help of lasers or by applying very low temperature or with the help of heat. Sometimes, the entire affected tissue is completely removed, after taking into consideration the extent of the lesion and the risk factors associated with it.

As this is a condition that does not lead to any noticeable symptoms, it is of paramount importance that women should regularly get pap smear tests done. This is especially applicable to women who are part of the high risk group mentioned above. LGSIL could eventually, in certain cases, transgress into high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, which in turn, could eventually even lead to cervical cancer. Hence, to prevent landing in such a situation, it is always best to regularly get pap smear tests done and ensure that you take care of yourself and your body.