Treatment for Cervical Dysplasia

Treatment for Cervical Dysplasia

Doctors use a few different approaches doctors when treating cervical dysplasia. The goal of treatment is to remove abnormal areas of the cervix before they possibly become cancerous, but not all cases of cervical dysplasia require medical treatment.
Watching and Waiting
For women with mild to moderate cervical dysplasia, "watching and waiting" is often the prescribed treatment. "Watching and waiting" simply means that a Pap smear or colposcopy/biopsy will be performed every 6 to 12 months to monitor the dysplasia. Mild to moderate dysplasia often resolves itself within two years without medical treatment.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)
Sometimes called a LLETZ, a LEEP is a procedure that uses an electrically charged wire loop to remove abnormal cells from the cervix. This type of treatment is typically used in cases of high grade cervical dysplasia.
Conization
Conization is a treatment option for some women with high grade cervical dysplasia. Conization removes a cone shaped piece of tissue from the cervix. It is also called a cone biopsy and can be used to help diagnose cervical cancer.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery is another method used to treat high grade cervical dysplasia. Abnormal cells are removed by a gas that then freezes them. Cryosurgery is also referred to as cryotherapy.
Follow-Up After Treatment for Cervical Dysplasia
After being treated for cervical dysplasia, following up with doctor's recommendation is essential. The doctor will recommend a follow-up plan based on the patholgy report from the LEEP or conization.
Common recommendations following treatment is a regular colposcopy and cervical biopsy every 6 to 12 months. Cervical dysplasia can return, so following the doctor's follow-up recommendation is very important.