Treatment
The majority of abnormal cervical cells will disappear on their own without treatment. Sometimes, when they do not disappear or they are severely abnormal, they should be removed so they do not develop into cervical cancer. There are several treatment methods available.
Cryotherapy
In cryo-therapy, a small metal plate is cooled to below freezing and then placed on the cervix to freeze away the abnormal cells. Cryo-therapy can be done in hospital outpatient gynaecology clinics. It causes almost no pain and a local anaesthetic is not usually required.
Laser
In this procedure, a laser is used to heat the abnormal cells so that they evaporate. Laser therapy is usually done in hospital outpatient gynaecology clinics and a local anaesthetic will be used so that it causes no pain.
Loop Diathermy
Loop diathermy (also called LEEP or LLETZ) is the most common and simple treatment in use today. This procedure uses a small loop of wire, which is heated by electricity, to remove the abnormal cells. Loop diathermy can be done in hospital outpatient gynaecology clinics. A local anaesthetic will be used so that it causes no pain.
Cone biopsy
A cone biopsy is used to remove the abnormal cells by cutting a cone shaped piece of tissue from the cervix. This can be done using the wire loop (see Loop diathermy above), a laser or a special knife. This treatment may be done using a local anaesthetic or a general anaesthetic. If a general anaesthetic is used, an overnight stay in the hospital may be required.
