Definition

A term used to describe abnormal cells that are found on the surface of the cervix when a biopsy is done. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is usually caused by infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is not cancer but may become cancer and spread to nearby normal tissue. It is graded on a scale of 1 to 3, based on how abnormal the cells look under a microscope and how much of the cervical tissue is affected. For example, CIN 1 has slightly abnormal cells and is less likely to become cancer than CIN 2 or CIN 3. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is sometimes called cervical dysplasia. Also called CIN.