Cervical dysplasia is a precancerous condition characterized by abnormal cell growth on the cervix. The human papillomavirus is a possible cause of cervical dysplasia. It is also thought that a compromised immune system may allow abnormal cells to grow. Cervical dysplasia does not always turn into cervical cancer. In some cases, it may go away without treatment. Regular examinations and pap smears can determine if it is healing on its own or advancing towards cancer.
Cone Biopsy
Cone biopsies are taken during a conization procedure. A section of abnormal tissue in the shape of a cone is removed from the cervix to see if cancer cells are present.
Cervical conization is normally done under general anesthesia. A conization procedure can determine how far the abnormal tissue has spread and if further surgery needs to be performed. The biopsies taken during a conization procedure can determine if the abnormal cells have turned into cancer. It can also indicate if the cancer has spread.
LEEP Procedure
LEEP stands for loop electrosurgical excision procedure. A thin, wire loop surgically removes abnormal patches of cells on the cervix. Local anesthesia is normally used. The success rate of a LEEP procedure varies, but is thought to be approximately 90 percent, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
LEEP procedures are used to rule out more invasive forms of cancer.
Cauterization
Cryocauterization is used to destroy abnormal tissue. Extremely cold temperatures are used to burn away abnormal cells. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cryoccauterization is an extremely safe and very simple procedure. Many times, it can be performed without anesthesia. It may be able to remove as much as 99% of the abnormal cell growth.
Electrocauterization is also used to burn away abnormal cells. Instead of using extremely cold temperatures, electrocauterization uses an electric current to produce heat and burn away tissue and seal blood vessels to stop bleeding.
Both types of cauterization are thought to be quite effective and safe to use.
Vaccination
Vaccinations for the human papilloma virus have recently been approved by the FDA, according to the National Cancer Institute. It is believed that the human papilloma virus may be responsible for many cases of cervical dysplasia. The FDA approved the vaccination Gardisil for the prevention of the human papillomavirus. According to NCI, Gardisil has been effective in controlling HPV.
Because HPV is a known cause of cervical dysplasia, keeping it under control may also prevent the occurrence of abnormal cell growth.
