It takes a lot longer than you think for CIN 3 to undergo a transformation to cancer if left untreated.
If you’ve been diagnosed with CIN 3, there is no reason to panic and fear for your life.
Of course, this high grade level of cervical dysplasia is nothing to sweep under the rug, either.
CIN stands for cervical intraepithelial neoplasm.
Time It Takes CIN 3 to Become Cervical Cancer
There are only estimates in how long it takes CIN 3 to eventually transform into an invasive cancer if left untreated.
A specific timeline is not known, says Mylaine Riobe, MD, founder of Riobe Institute of Integrative Medicine. Dr. Riobe, board certified in OB/GYN and integrative medicine, is the author of “The Answer to Cancer.”
“Generally speaking, it’s a slowly progressing process,” continues Dr. Riobe.
“Studies to determine this are not allowed due to ethics around allowing an invasive cancer to progress from a noninvasive condition.
“CIN 3 is treated as soon as detected, and conservative management is not appropriate, so it would be extremely difficult to find out the time of progression.”
The estimation ranges from 10 years (12 out of 100 women) to 30 years (50+ out of 100 women).
So if you’re diagnosed with CIN 3 and don’t have it treated, there’s a very small chance it will take about 10 years’ time to turn into cancer.
However, in no way does this mean to take such a diagnosis lightly. Don’t panic, but don’t turn your nose up at it, either.
“Given that cervical cancer was the most common cause of GYN cancer deaths prior to the development of the Pap smear, conservative management is not appropriate in the case of CIN 3,” says Dr. Riobe.
If you’re diagnosed with CIN 3, it’s best you discuss treatment options with your gynecologist.
Do not do nothing; it needs treatment. But definitely do not lose sleep and worry about dying, either. And if you smoke, QUIT.
