Cervical dysplasia is a condition where the cells of the cervix grow abnormally. It is a precancerous condition with three stages: CIN I---mild dysplasia where only the lower third of the cells are abnormal, CIN II---moderate, where up to two thirds of the cells are abnormal, and CIN III---severe, where precancerous cells affect the entire top layer of the cervix. According to the National Institutes of Health, most cases occur in women aged 25 to 35. Without treatment, 30 to 50 percent of severe cervical dysplasia becomes cancerous. The most common treatments for cervical dysplasia involve removal of the damaged cells, before they can become cancerous.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery super-freezes tissue with liquid nitrogen. The surgeon inserts a probe, with liguid nitrogen circulating through it, into the vagina. The probe cools the tissue to --20 degrees C. The super cold temperature kills the abnormal cells, controls bleeding and prevents pain. The surgeon may also administer a local or general anesthetic for additional pain control.
Electrocauterization
Electrocauterization heats the tissue with electricity. The surgeon inserts a small probe into the vagina and the electric current burns away the abnormal cells and cauterizes the tissue. The electricity also reduces bleeding. The surgeon may also administer a local or general anesthetic for pain control. The surgeon places a grounding pad on the patient's body, prior to surgery, as a protective measure.
Laser Vaporization
Similar to cryosurgery and electrocauterization, the surgeon uses a laser to remove abnormal cells and cauterize the area. As with cryosurgery and electrocauterization, the surgeon may use a local or general anesthetic for pain control.
LEEP
A loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a thin wire loop, with an electric current, to cut away a thin layer of the cervix. The surgeon administers a local anesthetic to control pain and may administer a post-surgical paste to stop the bleeding. The surgeon may also opt for electrocautery, instead of the paste, to stop the bleeding. The doctor then sends the abnormal cells to a lab for biopsy.
Cone Biopsy
As with the LEEP procedure, the surgeon cuts away a layer of the cervix and sends it to a lab for biopsy. With the cone biopsy, the surgeon uses a scalpel or knife with the patient under IV sedation or general anesthesia.
