How is dysplasia treated?

The abnormal cells on your cervix can disappear, or they can progress to more severe dysplasia, or even cervical cancer. It is hard to tell which abnormalities will get better on their own and which, if not treated, will lead to severe disease. However, in general, the more severe abnormalities are more likely to progress. Some health care providers recommend observation and frequent repeat Pap smears if you have mild cervical dysplasia. All providers believe that you must be treated if you have moderate or severe dysplasia.

Treatment means destroying the abnormal areas on the surface of the cervix. You can be treated in several ways, including:

• cryotherapy - freezing the surface of the cervix with a cold probe, an office procedure.
• laser therapy - burning off the surface of the cervix with laser. This procedure is more complicated, requires more skill and may be more uncomfortable. It can be done in the office or in a hospital.
• LEEP - using an electrocautery device to cut off the surface of the cervix. The portion that is removed is sent to the pathologist for examination. This is also an office procedure.
• cone biopsy - a surgical procedure in which a cone shaped piece of the cervix is removed. A cone biopsy is reserved for severe or unusual cases. A cone biopsy must be performed in a hospital or surgical center.

Regardless of the treatment used, the surface of your cervix grows back easily without the abnormal tissue. However, you must have follow-up screening. Many providers recommend repeat PAP smears every 3 months for a year, then every 6 months, and eventually every year.