How is cervical dysplasia treated?

How is cervical dysplasia treated?

Treatment depends on various factors, including the severity of your cervical dysplasia, age, health and treatment preferences. Procedures to treat cervical dysplasia can impact future pregnancies. Speak with your healthcare provider about treatments available to you if you’re pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant in the future.

Monitoring abnormal cells

With low-grade cervical dysplasia, classified as CIN 1, you likely won’t need treatment. In the majority of these cases, the condition goes away on its own. Only about 1% of cases progress to cervical cancer. Your healthcare provider may choose a conservative approach that calls for periodic Pap smears to monitor any changes in abnormal cells.

Removing or destroying abnormal cells

If your cervical dysplasia is more severe (CIN 1 or CIN 2), your healthcare provider can remove the abnormal cells that may become cancerous or destroy them.

These procedures may include:

• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a small, electrically charged wire loop to remove tissue. LEEP can also remove tissue samples for further analysis. About 1% to 2% of people may experience complications following the procedure, such as delayed bleeding or narrowing of their cervix (stenosis).
• Cold knife cone biopsy (conization) involves your healthcare provider removing a cone-shaped piece of tissue containing the abnormal cells. It was once the preferred method of treating cervical dysplasia, but now it’s reserved for more severe cases. Conization can provide a sample of tissue for further testing. It has a somewhat higher risk of complications, including cervical stenosis and postoperative bleeding.
• Hysterectomy involves removing your uterus. A hysterectomy may be an option in cases where cervical dysplasia persists or doesn’t improve after other procedures.