Cervical Dysplasia
Alternate Names : Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN), Precancerous Changes of the Cervix
What are the treatments for the condition?
Early dysplasia can usually be treated with one of the following:
cryotherapy, or freezing of the abnormal cells with liquid
nitrogen
laser
surgery, with a laser beam directed at the abnormal cells
loop electrocautery excision procedure, or
LEEP, a procedure that uses a heated electrical loop to destroy
abnormal cells
For more serious cases of cervical dysplasia, the abnormal tissue may be
removed surgically. Options for surgical removal include the following:
cone biopsy, a
procedure in which a portion of the center of the cervix is removed. This
procedure is also used to diagnose the dysplasia. During the diagnostic cold
cone biopsy, the abnormal tissue is often completely removed.
hysterectomy, or surgical removal of the uterus and cervix
What are the side effects of the treatments?
During cryotherapy,
women often feel cramping and pelvic discomfort. For about a month afterward,
they have a great deal of watery vaginal discharge.
Laser surgery or
LEEP can cause the following:
foul-smelling vaginal
discharge
cervicitis, or inflammation of the cervical tissue
bleeding
an allergic
reaction
to the local anesthesia
used during the procedure
Possible side effects and complications of hysterectomy are as follows:
inability to control urination
sexual problems
psychological
stress
swelling in the
legs
bleeding that requires a blood
transfusion
allergic reaction to
anesthesia
What happens after treatment for the condition?
A woman may be advised to refrain from using tampons, having sexual
intercourse, or douching for a period of time following a procedure to treat
cervical dysplasia.
How is the condition monitored?
Women who have been treated for dysplasia should be closely followed with
pelvic exams and
Pap smears. During the first year
after
any treatment, Pap smears should be done every 3 to 4 months. In the second
year, the schedule is every 6 months. Any new or worsening symptoms should be
reported to the healthcare provider.
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