If cervical screening shows that you have abnormal cells in your cervix, your GP may recommend they be treated.
The aim of treatment is to remove or destroy the abnormal cells in your cervix.
It may be possible for you to have treatment at the same time as your colposcopy. A colposcopy is an examination that uses a special microscope called a colposcope to determine the extent of cell abnormality. Other more invasive types of treatment will require a separate appointment.
The type of treatment you will be offered will depend on how many abnormal cells you have in your cervix and how severe the changes are.
You will be given a local anaesthetic beforehand, which means that the area being treated will be numbed but you will remain awake throughout the procedure.
The possible treatments are described below. It's important that you discuss them with your GP before deciding which to have.
Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ)
Also known as LEEP or diathermy, LLETZ is a procedure that uses a fine wire and an electrical current to cut away the affected area of tissue and seal the wound at the same time.
The advantage of this treatment is that the cells are removed rather than destroyed, so the tissue can be sent for further tests to confirm the extent of the cell changes and make sure the area of your cervix that contains the cells has been removed.
Cone biopsy
A cone biopsy is a small operation that in most cases requires an overnight stay in hospital.
A cone of tissue is cut away from your cervix to remove all of the abnormal cells. You may need a general anaesthetic (where you are asleep during the procedure).
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves using a cold probe to freeze away the abnormal cells in the cervix.
Laser treatments
Sometimes referred to as laser ablation, the procedure uses lasers to identify and destroy abnormal cells in the cervix.
If necessary, a laser can also be used to remove a small piece of the cervix itself.
Cold coagulation
During cold coagulation, a hot probe is applied to the cervix to burn away and remove the abnormal cells.
