The National Institute of Health reports that human papillomavirus, or HPV causes most cases of cervical cancer and dysplasia. Cervical dysplasia refers to a condition characterized by an abnormal growth of cells on the cervix, indicating the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells. Cervical dysplasia classifications include low grade, high-grade and possibly cancerous. Many mild forms of HPV clear without treatment. Physicians may choose to treat patients displaying a classification of high-grade and possibly cancerous lesions immediately to prevent malignancy.
Cryotherapy
Cryosurgery, also known as cryocauterization or cryotherapy, is a procedure which uses intense cold to obliterate the abnormal cervical tissues, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Cryosurgery is a fairly painless procedure usually performed in a doctor's office. During the procedure, the physician will insert a device to hold the vaginal canal open. An instrument called a cryoprobe will be inserted into the vagina and placed against the surface of the cervix, over the abnormal tissue. Nitrogen gas then moves through the probe making the metal cold enough to freeze and destroy the abnormal tissues. For the most effective treatment, freezing occurs for three minutes, the cervix thaws for five minutes and then is frozen again for another three minutes. Risks following cryotherapy include bleeding and infection. In rare cases, scarring may affect fertility.
Cone Biopsy
A cone biopsy, also known as a cold knife cone biopsy or cervical conization, is a surgical procedure most commonly used to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix for examination under a microscope. However, physicians may perform the procedure to treat moderate to severe cervical dysplasia in lieu of other procedures. A physician will perform the procedure in the hospital or in an outpatient surgical center. The procedure requires sedation or general anesthesia. The surgeon will remove a cone-shaped portion of the abnormal tissue from the cervix. Following the procedure patients may experience cramping and discomfort for a week or so. Patients may experience bloody, heavy or yellow colored discharge. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports the procedure has a 70 to 98 percent cure rate, dependent upon whether the abnormal cells have spread beyond the cervix.
LEEP
A LEEP procedure, or loop electrosurgical excision procedure, uses a thin wire loop that acts like a scalpel. An electric current moves through the loop cutting away a thin layer of the cervix containing the abnormal cells. A physician performs a LEEP procedure in their office or an outpatient surgical center. Dependent upon the severity of the dysplasia, the procedure may be performed under local or general anesthesia. During the procedure, patients may feel a dull ache or cramping. The doctor may apply a special paste to the cervix following the procedure to help stop any bleeding. The recovery time is brief but the cervix will require a few weeks to heal. Following the procedure patients may experience a watery pink tinged discharge, mild cramping and brownish black discharge from the paste used. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists warns that there is an increased risk of problems with future pregnancies including premature births and low birth weight babies. There is a small risk that women may have problems conceiving a child after a LEEP procedure due to a narrowing of the cervix.
