What Are the Treatments for Severe Cervical Dysplasia?

Cervical dysplasia is the name for a medical condition in which abnormal, precancerous cell tissue develops in the cervix. Mild cases of this condition may return to normal without treatment within 18-24 months. However, severe cases of cervical dysplasia must be treated or else it will progress to cancer. Following below are the treatments that are used for severe cervical dysplasia.

Cryosurgery

• Also called cryotherapy, this is a treatment that involves super-freezing the abnormal cell tissue so as to destroy it. This is achieved using a probe (cryoprobe) that has liquid nitrogen circulating through it. The tissue is cooled to sub-zero temperatures, which destroys the abnormal cells. The destroyed cells are passed out of the body as a watery discharge.

LEEP

• The Loop Electro-surgical Excision Procedure is a medical procedure that is used to excise the layer of abnormal cells from the cervix. It is also referred to as LLETZ (large-loop excision of the transformation zone). The procedure is performed using a wire loop, which is designed to carry a painless, low voltage electric current is passed. This loop is used to cauterize and remove the diseased cervical cells.

Laser Vaporization

• Another treatment option involves the use of a carbon dioxide laser. The doctor targets the laser's infrared beam of light onto the affected area, causing it to vaporize the diseased cell tissue. This treatment method may cause some cramping during and after the procedure, as well as a vaginal discharge for a few weeks after the procedure.

Cone Biopsy

• A cone biopsy is a surgical alternative that is used when the affected area extends into the cervical canal. It is referred to as a cone biopsy because the doctor surgically removes a cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue. In addition to the removal of abnormal tissue cells, this surgical procedure is also used for diagnostic purposes.

Hysterectomy

• This is a medical procedure that involves the surgical removal of the uterus (womb). As a treatment option for cervical dysplasia, it is commonly used as a last resort, particularly if the woman wants to bear children in the future. A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure that most doctors only recommend to prevent the spread of the disease or its progression to cervical cancer.