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When abnormal cells are found on the cervix the condition is called dysplasia. A class III Pap should be biopsied if there is a history of recurrent abnormal Pap smears, if significant risk factors are present, or if the patient has been unresponsive to therapy. This can only be determined through biopsy. Patients with carcinoma in situ, or a class V Pap, should undergo conization. Lifestyle and nutritional factors that appear to play a prominent role in the etiology of cervical dysplasia and carcinoma include: early age of first intercourse; multiple sexual partners; Herpes simplex type 2 and papilloma viruses (HPV); lower socio-economic class; smoking; oral contraceptive use; and many nutritional factors. Animal product consumption should be decreased, particularly animal fats and exogenous estrogens.
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