DYSPLASIA

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to summarize views on precancerous lesions of the epithelium of the human uterine cervix. The pathologist''s ability to prognosticate the outcome of any such lesion is limited. The names attached to these lesions, ranging from mild dysplasia to carcinoma in situ do not necessarily reflect their true biologic potential in terms of disappearance, persistence, or progression. A unified nomenclature of these lesions may be helpful in clarifying the issue. Comments on the accomplishments and failures of cytologic methods of diagnosis of these lesions are appended.