Treatment of Cervical Lesions:

What happens if my Pap smear is abnormal?

The current means of screening for cervical cancer is the Pap smear. If your Pap smear is abnormal the next step is colposcopy. This procedure is performed in the office. Your doctor will use a special binocular instrument, a colposcope, to look at your cervix.

Doctor's view of cervix:

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A colposcopy examination does not take very long. You may want to take Motrin right before your appointment. Expect to have some spotting afterwards, so bring a sanitary napkin with you. Abnormal areas will be biopsied, and you may also have an endocervical curettage.

Depending on the results of your colposcopy exam and biopsies your physician will discuss your treatment options.

Colposcopy results: biopsies of the cervix

 

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How is treatment of cervical lesions determined?

The biology of cervical cancer is one of the best-characterized of all malignancies. Its precursor, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, is both detectable and quantifiable, which presents many opportunities for evaluation or early treatment, intervention and eventually, for cancer prophylaxis.

Specific treatment for HPV lesions of the cervix will be determined by your physician based on:

  1. Your overall health and medical history
  2. Extent of the lesion
  3. Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
  4. Expectations for the course of the lesion
  5. Your opinion or preference

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What are the most common treatments for HSIL?

If your doctor determines that you have a cervical lesion that is of high enough grade, they may advise you to have the lesion removed. The two most popular methods of removing cervical lesions are by "LEEP" or "by Cold Knife Cone". Both of these procedures are quick, fairly unintrusive, and typically have a quick recovery time.

  1. Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): Performed in the office
  2. Cold Knife Cone: Performed in the operating room, using a scalpel.

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What can I expect after the surgical procedure?

  • There may be some mild crampy discomfort.
  • Discharge may be expected post operation.
  • You should shower and avoid tub baths.
  • Do not use tampons or douche.
  • Do not have intercourse for the alotted time suggested by your doctor.


For information about new treatments, please see the section about our research.

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