Colposcopy (cont.)
Biopsy of the cervix
Finally, colposcopy allows tissue sampling (biopsy) that is targeted to the abnormal areas. In fact, the biopsy of abnormal areas is a critical part of colposcopy because treatment will depend on how severe the abnormality is on the biopsy sample. After colposcopy and biopsies, a chemical is applied to the biopsy area to prevent bleeding (spotting). As part of the biopsy procedure, endocervical curettage (sampling of the tissues within the endocervical canal, or the opening of the cervix to the uterine cavity) is often performed.
Based on the colposcopy results, what is the approach to treating cervical abnormalities?
If the biopsy results show pre-cancer (dysplasia) or
cancer, treatment is recommended. The dysplasia may be mild, moderate, or
severe. Almost all women with dysplasia can have their treatment procedures
performed in the doctor's office. The physician chooses between two general
types of treatment. The first type is destruction (ablation) of the abnormal
area, and the second type is removal (resection). Both types of treatment cure
90% of patients with dysplasia, meaning that 10% of women will have a recurrence
of their abnormality after
treatment. Generally, destruction (ablation) procedures are used for milder
dysplasia and removal (resection) is recommended for more severe dysplasia or
cancer.
The destruction (ablation) procedures are carbon dioxide laser photoablation
and cryocautery. The removal (resection) procedures are loop electrosurgical
excision procedure (LEEP), cold knife
conization, and hysterectomy. Only
certain, carefully chosen cases of cervical cancer are treated with LEEP or cold
knife conization. Most cases of cervical cancer and occasional cases of severe
dysplasia are treated by hysterectomy. Treatment for dysplasia or cancer is not
usually done at the time of the initial colposcopy, since the treatment depends
on the analysis of the biopsies done during colposcopy.
Next: What should one expect from each of the treatments for cervical
abnormalities? »
- Pap Smear - Read about Pap smear, a test to screen for cervical cancer, and precancerous changes in the cervix. Risk factors for abnormal Pap include HPV, smoking medicaitons, and a weakened immune system.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) - Learn and become aware of common STDs in women, including descriptions, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of each type of infection.
- Hysterectomy - Learn about hysterectomy procedures and options available for women. There are many types of hysterectomy surgeries including a total, radical, laparoscopy assisted vaginal hysterectomy, supracervical, and oophorectomy. The type of hysterectomy procedure will depend upon the reason for the procedure.
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