Catch it early save your life.

What Happens Next?

If the sample from my cervix shows that there are abnormal cells that are not yet cancer, but are in danger of becoming cancer, what happens next?

Hetty?

Number 4: 

Treatments.  Cervical cancer is a very curable form of cancer in most cases.  The possible treatments for abnormal cervical cells that are not yet cancer are:

…LEEP, conization, cryosurgery, watchful waiting. 

You and your doctor will discuss your treatment options.  The type and amount of abnormal cell changes, your age, your general health, your desire to have children, and the possible side effects of the treatments will all influence the best treatment options for you. 

In some cases, the doctor may suggest removing only a small portion of the cervix.  This is called “loop electrosurgical excision procedure,” or LEEP.  This is an outpatient procedure in which the diseased tissue is removed from the cervix.  This treatment is used when the abnormal changes in your cervix do not reach deep into the cervical tissue.  In this procedure, the doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina in order to see the cervix.  The doctor will then numb the cervix so you feel no pain.  A loop-shaped wire is then used to remove the abnormal tissue from you cervix.  The benefits of this procedure are that it requires only one office visit and high cure rates are seen with just one treatment.  Women can still have children after undergoing a LEEP procedure.  Temporary side effects are cramping and vaginal discharge.