A Pap smear is routinely used to screen women for cervical cancer or abnormal cervical cells which may develop into cancer, called cervical dysplasia. A woman with an abnormal Pap smear usually undergoes additional testing, such as a cervical biopsy to help determine the depth, type and severity of cervical dysplasia. Once cervical dysplasia has been identified, treatments may help remove abnormal cervical cells. The type of treatment performed depends on the type and severity of abnormal cervical cells.
LEEP
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure, or LEEP, is used to shave away small areas of abnormal tissue from the cervix. A speculum is inserted into the vagina and the cervix cleaned with antibacterial preparation to reduce the risk of infection. Anesthesia is injected directly to the cervix to prevent pain. A thin instrument with a wire loop on the end is placed on the cervix. Electrical current runs through the loop instrument, which shaves away areas of affected cervical cells. Medication is applied to the cervix after tissue has been removed to prevent bleeding.
While the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology states that a LEEP is relatively safe procedure, some complications exist. A woman may develop a cervical infection or have heavy bleeding or severe abdominal pain after the procedure. A slight risk of fertility problems also exists from LEEP. Women who have LEEP often require frequent follow-up Pap smear tests to ensure abnormal cervical cells do not reappear.
Cone Biopsy
Cone biopsy involves removing a cone-shaped tissue sample from the cervical opening. Cone biopsy is performed on women with suspected cervical cancer, or those with highly abnormal Pap smear results, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM). This procedure is usually performed in a hospital or surgical center, and requires a woman to be sedated or have general anesthesia. A speculum is placed into the vagina and the cervix cleansed. A scalpel is used to remove the cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue.
A woman may experience vaginal discharge after having cone biopsy, which may be bloody or discolored according to UMM. Risks of cone biopsy include cervical scarring, which may interfere with fertility, cervical infection and heavy vaginal bleeding.
Cryotherapy
Cervical cryotherapy is used to freeze and destroy abnormal cervical tissue and cervical warts caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). A speculum is inserted into the vagina and the cervix cleansed. A probe is placed into the vagina with the probe tip over the area of abnormal cervical cells. Nitrous oxide is used with the probe to cause freezing of the cervix.
A woman may experience vaginal discharge for several days after the procedure as the destroyed cervical tissue sloughs away. She may also have abdominal cramping or discomfort. Heavy vaginal bleeding is a risk of the procedure, according to Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.
