How to Treat Cervix Dysplasia
Cervix or cervical dysplasia is the medical term for abnormal cervical cells. Cervix dysplasia may be caused by a virus such as the human papillomavirus, or HPV, and by the chemicals of cigarette smoking. Cervix dysplasia is considered a precancerous condition and treatment is usually curative. Mild cervix dysplasia can progress to moderate and severe dysplasia, and ultimately cervical cancer.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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Obtain an accurate dysplasia staging diagnosis from your physician, because there are different treatment options available for the different stages of the condition. Diagnostic methods include the pap smear and colposcopy exam, which involves taking a small sampling of the cervix for biopsy.
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Monitor mild cases of cervix dysplasia with follow-up exams per your physician's recommendations. The usual time frame for follow up exams are every three to six months for one year, and then every year thereafter. Mild cervix dysplasia may revert back to normal on it's own; however, it may progress to a moderate or even severe stage if not monitored. Diligent follow-up exams will detect progression of the condition, allowing for timely and appropriate treatment.
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Inquire about freezing the dysplastic cells or tissue for treatment of moderate cervical dysplasia. This procedure is called cryosurgery, and can be done in the doctor's office. Cryosurgery obliterates precancerous cells when liquid nitrogen is distributed into the cervix via a probe-like instrument. Freezing the cervix may not kill all the abnormal tissue, especially if the dysplasia is more invasive. Cryosurgery is not indicated for severe cases of cervix dysplasia.
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Ask the physician about a procedure that cauterizes or burns the abnormal cells from the cervix. This procedure is called loop excision, and it is reserved for more advanced cases of cervical dysplasia. While the cautery device burns the dysplastic cells, the loop extracts them so they may be sent for biopsy.
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Educate yourself on a procedure that vaporizes abnormal cervical cells with a laser. This treatment is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Cervical vaporization may cause post-procedure bleeding, so an overnight hospital stay may be warranted if extensive bleeding becomes evident.
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Tips & Warnings
Although these treatments may alleviate all traces of cervical dysplasia, there is not guarantee that it will not return. In severe cases, you may want to discuss with your physician the option of a hysterectomy, where the cervix and uterus is surgically removed. Only this will guarantee that cervix dysplasia will not return.
Be aware that if you choose to have a hysterectomy, you will not be able to have children, and if the ovaries are removed during the procedure, you will undergo surgical menopause.
