Cervical Cancer Series 05 What Is CIN? Understanding Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
After an abnormal Pap test or HPV test, some people undergo a biopsy and see terms such as “CIN1,” “CIN2,” or “CIN3” in their pathology report. Because these unfamiliar terms are followed by numbers, it is easy to assume that they refer to stages of cervical cancer. “Does CIN3 mean stage 3 cervical cancer?” “If it is called a precancerous lesion, does that mean cancer has already started?” “Will it turn into cancer if I am not treated immediately?” However, CIN1, CIN2, and CIN3 are not stages of cervical cancer. CIN refers to abnormal changes in the cells lining the surface of the cervix. These changes have not invaded the surrounding tissue and are not invasive cervical cancer. The likelihood that CIN will regress on its own or progress toward cancer differs by grade. Understanding what CIN means and following a management plan based on your individual test results are therefore important. A Pap Test Result and a CIN Diagnosis Are Not the Same A Pap test is a screening test that exami...