Severe dysplasia of cervix. Light micrograph of a cervical smear showing severe dysplasia (graded CIN-3) in epithelial cells (stained pink). Large dark-stained nuclei of dysplastic cells can be seen at centre, indicating cell division. These abnormal cells have little or no cytoplasm and their shapes are severely distorted. Cells showing mild dysplasia are seen at top left corner. These abnormalities, known as severe dyskaryosis, are potentially cancerous changes and could be used to diagnose cervical cancer. If diagnosed at an early stage, cervical cancer can be cured. Papanicolaou stain. Magnification: x400 at 35mm size.