Primarily there are three treatment options for abnormal pap smears where the doctor feels certain cells or tissues need to be removed. Each of these procedures is conducted on an outpatient basis and have high success rates of solving the problem.

Treatment Options

Laser Ablation of the Cervix

The abnormal skin on the cervix can also be removed using a laser. The laser has the advantage of removing the abnormal skin very precisely. Healing is more rapid than with cryosurgery and there is not a bad discharge afterward. The most common problem is bleeding that can occur even several days afterward. These procedures are done as an outpatient at the hospital. Local anesthesia, similar to the LEEP procedure is used for these procedures. Laser treatment of dysplasia is very effective, however about 10% of women may have a recurrence in the future as with the other methods. Certain types of dysplasia can not be treated with this technique.

LEEP

During a LEEP procedure, a A speculum is placed in the vagina just like for a PAP smear. The doctor will then place a numbing medicine in the cervix (similar to what the dentists use to numb your teeth before filling.) After the cervix is numb, a special wire loop is used to remove the abnormal area. The wire loop is hooked up to a special electrical machine and a sticky pad is placed on your leg in order to complete the electrical circuit. The procedure itself is usually painless, although some mild cramping may occur afterward. The whole procedure typically takes about 5 minutes to perform.

  • What happens to the tissue that is removed? The tissue that is removed is sent to the pathologist to make sure that all of the dysplasia was removed.
  • What kind of follow-up do I need? Typically you will be seen back in 2-4 weeks to make sure the cervix has healed. You then should have a follow-up PAP smear every 3 months for 2 years to make sure that there is no recurrence of the dysplasia.
  • What are the risks? Most women do not have any problems afterward. The most common problem is abnormal bleeding from the cervix, which can occur even several days after the procedure. Infections are very rare. There is also some theoretical risks of damage to or weakening of the cervix, which can result either in fertility problems in the future, or complicate pregnancy. These risks increase with the amount of tissue that needs to be removed in order to cure the dysplasia.
  • Will I be cured afterward? Most women will be "cured" afterward; however a small percentage may have a recurrence or persistence of the dysplasia following the procedure. It is, therefore, important to have regular follow-up visits for PAP smears afterward.

Cryosurgery

Cryotherapy, also called cryosurgery, cryoablation or targeted cryoablation therapy, refers to the application of extreme cold to destroy diseased tissue, including cancer cells.

Stafford, VA Laparascopic Minimally Invasive Tubal ReversalCall our office or schedule an appointment to talk with your doctor about treatments for abnormal Pap smears