LEEP Conization Procedures

Doctors use LEEP and conization procedures to treat cervical cancer. Less invasive with fewer side effects than many forms of cancer treatment, the effectiveness of both requires early detection of cancerous/preinvasive cancer cells and/or a favorable stage of cancer. Routine gynecological exams that include Pap smears play a vital role in catching cervical cancer at a point where LEEP and conization are still possible.

Cancer

• Cancer occurs when healthy cells become abnormal. A healthy cell will typically grow at a specific rate and die as required by its genetic structure. Cancer cells, however, grow at an abnormal rate and do not die. These cancer cells eventually form tumors that take over the space normally filled with healthy cells. They may also break apart and travel to other areas of the body (metastasize).

Cervical Cancer

• Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinomas are the two main types of cervical cancer. Approximately 80 to 90 percent of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas and generally affect the bottom of the cervix. Adenocarcinomas typically invade the glandular cells in the upper cervix. It is possible to have both types of cancer and other forms of cancer do invade the cervix. While the exact cause of cervical cancer is not clear, Mayo Clinic at MayoClinic.com reports, "evidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is found in nearly all cervical cancers."

LEEP

• A loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) involves use of a thin wire loop to dissect involved tissue via an electrical current passed through the wire. Physicians use LEEP for stage 0 cancers, those that are small and affect only the surface of the cervix. The physician numbs the cervix and uses a speculum to view the area of concern before beginning. Likely done at the doctor's office, it takes just a few minutes to complete. Your health care provider will inform you of what to expect following the procedure and should give you a list of concerning signs/symptoms to watch for.

Conization

• Also known as cone biopsy, conization can be used to diagnose and/or treat stage 0 or stage IA cancer. Typically done in a hospital under anesthesia, this procedure requires the surgeon to use a scalpel or laser to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix. Depending on the size of the lesion removed, sutures might be necessary to close the wound after conization. The cervix will heal after several weeks. Your physician may place certain restrictions on your activities for a time, such as no use of tampons or heavy lifting, etc. Be sure to request information on aftercare from your health care provider.

Controlling Risk Factors

• Unfortunately, cervical cancer does not typically have symptoms in its early stages. Therefore, the U.S. National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute at cancer.gov continues to recommend women have routine checkups, including Pap smears, as the best way to detect cervical cancer in its early, most treatable stages. Young women should also speak with their physician regarding the vaccine for HPV, a sexually transmitted infection that is the most common cause of cervical cancer. Other behaviors that might increase risk, among others, include smoking cigarettes, having multiple sexual partners, first sexual intercourse at a young age. Speak with your physician regarding the best guidelines for you.