The Pathology Dictionary Team
February 21, 2023
Low grade dysplasia is an abnormal pattern of growth that can turn into cancer over time. This change is described as “low grade” because the abnormal cells look like normal, healthy cells when examined under the microscope.
Low grade dysplasia does not mean cancer but if left untreated it can turn into cancer over time.
The cause of low grade dysplasia depends on where in the body the dysplasia is located. Specific causes include human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (oropharynx, cervix, penis, and anal canal), smoking (oral cavity, larynx, esophagus), long-standing acid reflux disease (esophagus), helicobacter pylori infection (stomach), and dietary factors (colon).
No. The abnormal cells in an area of low grade dysplasia are not able to metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body.
In some parts of the body, other names are used to describe low grade dysplasia. These names include low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN), and mild dysplasia.