What is the Treatment for a Cervical Abnormality?

Most treatments for CIN take place in the colposcopy clinic as an outpatient, using local anaesthetic. Sometimes a general anaesthetic is required and you may need to be admitted to the hospital at a later date, for a day surgery procedure.

Treatment can sometimes be undertaken at the same time as the first colposcopy visit. This is known as a ‘see and treat’ procedure.

Ablation Therapy

Laser, diathermy or cryotherapy can be used in mild abnormalities (CIN 1) to destroy abnormal cells. These treatments are all done as an outpatient. Laser therapy and diathermy use heat to destroy the abnormal cells. Cryotherapy involves using freezing to destroy the abnormal area. Before treatment, a local anaesthetic is injected into the cervix.

Loop Diathermy Excision

This treatment is usually performed as an outpatient. LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone) involves a loop of wire heated by an electric current, which is used to remove cells. This is usually done under local anaesthetic. Because the cells are not destroyed, the tissue can be sent to a laboratory for testing. Laser can be used to excise tissue but LLETZ is now more commonly used.

Cone Biopsy

Cone biopsies are now rarely performed. This minor operation removes the whole area where there might be abnormal cells. It is usually done with a scalpel (small blade) under general anaesthetic, and may mean an overnight stay in hospital. It carries a small risk of weakening the cervix, which can increase the chance of miscarriage. A stitch can help the cervix stay closed during pregnancy

Hysterectomy

This is a major operation in which the cervix and womb are removed. It is rare for a doctor to recommend a hysterectomy for CIN. It is usually only considered in women with CIN 3 who are past the menopause or who have had all the children they want. It is also recommended in women with early invasive cervical cancer.

Useful addresses/websites

• NHS Cervical Screening Program
  Information about the NHS screening program