squamous intraepithelial lesion
{{Short description|Abnormal cell growth in the cervix}}
File:Spectrum of SIL Cervical Dysplasia (4445758838).jpg
A squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) is an abnormal growth of squamous cells on the surface of the cervix; normal squamous cells make up the normal epithelium of the cervix. This lesion can progress to cervical cancer and can be diagnosed using a Pap smear or a colposcopy. It can be treated by using methods that remove the abnormal cells, allowing normal cells to grow in their place.{{cite web |title=Squamous intraepithelial lesion |url=http://www.medfriendly.com/squamousintraepitheliallesion.html |publisher=MedFriendly |accessdate=11 July 2009}} In the Bethesda system, the cytology can be graded as LSIL (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) or HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion).{{cn|date=September 2023}}