On a biopsy report
CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia)
Also written as CIN 1, CIN 2, CIN 3, CIN I, CIN II, CIN III
What it means
CIN means abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix found when a biopsy is done. It is usually caused by certain types of HPV (human papillomavirus). It is not cancer but may become cancer. It is graded 1 to 3. CIN 1 is less likely to become cancer than CIN 2 or CIN 3.
Why it matters
The CIN grade helps your doctor decide whether to watch the area or treat it.
Ask your oncologist
"What CIN grade do I have, and do we watch or treat?"
From NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Not medical advice: your oncologist decides.