It’s important to learn about women’s health issues so you can maintain your overall well-being and reduce your risk of cervical cancer and other reproductive ailments throughout your life. Should your gynecologist inform you that you have an abnormal Pap smear, one common culprit may be Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (SIL). If you’re unfamiliar with these lesions, here is a helpful guide to inform you about the condition. 

Understanding Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions

What is a SIL?

A SIL is an abnormal growth on the cervix. It’s associated with the human papillomavirus or HPV. The outer lining of the cervix is composed of squamous epithelial cells, so a SIL refers to an abnormality in this region. These lesions are typically categorized as low or high-grade SIL, depending on how significantly the cells differ. If left untreated, high-grade SIL can develop into cancerous cells and spread to surrounding tissue. 

How is it Detected?

This condition is detected by your gynecologist, who performs a Pap smear. When your sample is evaluated under a microscope, cells that vary in shape and size indicate SIL. Once identified, your doctor will likely call you in to discuss your abnormal Pap smear and to perform further testing. 

Are There Any Treatments Available?

Once your women’s health clinic determines you have an abnormal Pap smear, they’ll ask you to set up a follow-up appointment so they can perform a cervical biopsy to confirm whether it’s low or high-grade SIL. If the biopsy indicates you have high-grade SIL, gynecologic surgery will be performed to remove these abnormal cells and reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. Treatment options include laser therapy or cryotherapy to destroy these cells, a cone biopsy to remove cells, or Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) to remove cells using an electrical current. 

Women's Wellness Center of New York, based on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and led by an esteemed gynecologist, Dr. Tara Shirazian, is known throughout the city for helping patients tackle women’s health issues with confidence. If you’re concerned about abnormal Pap smear results and you’re looking for a dedicated clinic that specializes in minimally-invasive gynecologic surgery to treat fibroids, pelvic pain, lesions, and ovarian cysts, call today at (646) 754-3300 to schedule an appointment. To learn more about this state-of-the-art practice, visit their website or read real-life reviews from previous patients.