Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, also known as low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, is a precancerous condition associated with HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, chronic inflammation of the cervix, or sexually transmitted diseases.
Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions are a result of cervical liquid-based cytology and are a precancerous stage of cervical cancer, along with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, but low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions have a lower risk of progression.
The most important cause of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions is HPV infection, which leads to atypical hyperplasia of the cervical epithelium, which can be seen in pathologic sections as mildly disorganized nuclear polarity of cervical cells with mild anisotropy. In addition chronic cervicitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and other diseases that persistently stimulate the cervical epithelium may also lead to the development of atypical hyperplasia.
About 60% of low-grade intraepithelial lesions will subside naturally and can be followed up clinically, while lesions that persist for more than two years need to be treated. Patients are advised to actively treat high risk factors such as HPV infection or cervical inflammation, and to undergo regular follow-up to avoid progression of the disease.