Cervical dysplasia - series
Normal anatomy
The cervix is the tissue that leads from the uterus into the vagina.
Indications
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. It is a cancer of the epithelial tissue of the cervix. Pap smear is the screening procedure used to detect cervical cancer. Limited or early cervical cancer (carcinoma in situ, or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or dysplasia) requires treatment with ablation therapy, usually in the form of cervical cryotherapy, or a more extensive procedure, called conization, which removes more tissue.
Procedure, part 1
Ablation therapy is frequently performed using a cryoprobe. A hollow metal probe, through which flows extremely cold liquid nitrogen, is inserted into the vagina and applied to the cervix and held in place for 5-10 minutes. This freezes, and thus destroys, the superficial tissues of the cervix which contains the dysplastic tissue.
Procedure, part 2
Conization is a procedure in which a "cone" of tissue is removed. This procedure is performed for more advanced cervical dysplasia, which remains limited to the cervix (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, high grade). It allows the surgeon to remove more cervical tissue. Conization is performed using either a knife, laser, or electrocautery. LEEP, or the loop electrosurgical excision procedure is the term used for conization electrocautery. In this procedure, and electric current is run through a loop of wire, which is used to perform the conization. It is the most common method used for conization.
Aftercare
If the tissue removed by conization shows residual tumor, or invasive cancer, then further treatment is necessary. This often consists of surgical removal of the uterus and cervix (hysterectomy).
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission
(www.urac.org). URAC's
accreditation
program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and
accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information
and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s
editorial policy,
editorial process, and
privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of
Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (
www.HONcode.ch.)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or
treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and
treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are
provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
©1997-2012 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly
prohibited.
Get the MOST from QualityHealth
- Stories
- Recipes
- Top Searches
- 1. Allergy Seals and Certifications
- 2. Cancer Studies and Statistics
- 3. Fat Facts for Diabetics
- 4. 10 Ways to Tame Your Sugar Cravings
- 5. 4 Ways to Go Healthy at a Coffee Shop
- 6. Exercises to Cure Your Neck Pain
- 7. Overweight With Normal Blood Pressure?
- 8. 5 Ways to Improve Leg Circulation
- 9. Green Tea for Health & Beauty
- 10. How to Pick the Right Makeup Brushes
- 1. Could You Have a Deviated Septum?
- 2. Today's Mammogram Guidelines
- 3. The Benefits of Protein for Diabetics
- 4. How Grief Affects the Body
- 5. Best Food Guide for IBD
- 6. 5 Things to Do Before Your Workout
- 7. A Heart Attack Without Risk Factors?
- 8. How to Handle Arthritis on the Job
- 9. Perfect Nails at Home in 10 Steps
- 10. How to Get More Vitamin D
The material on the QualityHealth Web site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a physician or other qualified health provider. See additional information.