Pap Smear

Regular pap smears can help diagnose or monitor cervical dysplasia. Cells are collected from your cervix. They are sent to a lab for analysis. If abnormal cell growth is found, a colposcopy may be done. In this process the cervix is examined through a low power microscope.

HPV DNA Analysis

This will test for both the presence and the type of HPV in cervical tissues. There are many HPV types. Some are more high-risk for cancer than others. The test is often done with the newer liquid-based pap smear. The presence of abnormal cells and high-risk HPV DNA increases the risk of significant disease. In this case, more evaluation and treatment will be needed.

Colposcopy and Biopsy

The cervix is lightly coated with a vinegar solution. This will highlight abnormal cells. A magnifying scope is used to examine the cervix. A biopsy will be done on any area that shows abnormal changes. A biopsy is the removal of tiny bits of tissue. A sample of the cells of the canal of the cervix will also be taken. This is done with a small brush. The biopsy and the sample of cells from the cervical canal will be sent to a lab for analysis. In the lab abnormal cell growth will be classified as one of the following:

• Mild
• Moderate
• Severe (carinoma-in-situ)
• Cancerous

Cone Biopsy

This biopsy is the removal of a tiny cone-shaped piece of tissue from the opening of the cervix. The biopsy tissue will be analyzed. The results will show whether any of the abnormal cell growth is cancerous.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)

A small biopsy of the cervix is taken with a wire loop heated by electric current. The results will show whether any of the abnormal cells are pre-cancerous or cancerous.

Note: Both cone biopsy and LEEP biopsy techniques remove all the abnormal tissue in question. These procedures may be used for cancer treatment and diagnosis.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery freezes and destroys the dysplasia on the cervix. This method is not recommended for treating large areas of dysplasia.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment uses a concentrated, high-energy beam of light to destroy abnormal cells. This method is more favorable than cryosurgery. There is less destruction of surrounding normal tissue. Although healing is faster than with other methods, laser treatment is expensive. It is not always available.

If Cancer Is Found

Cone biopsy and LEEP are usual cures for dysplasia. However, if the cone biopsy or LEEP biopsy shows invasive cancer:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemoradiotherapy

Your doctor will discuss these options with you.

Follow-up:

Cervical dysplasia should be followed up with often. Talk to you doctor about a Pap test schedule. Test may be scheduled every 3-6 months.

Vaccine

Gardasil is the first vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) to prevent:

• Cervical cancer
• Precancerous genital lesions
• Genital warts due to certain types of HPV

The vaccine is approved for use in females aged 9-26 years old. It is given as a series of three injections. They are given over a 6-month period. There is a catch-up schedule as well. The vaccine blocks four types of HPV:

• Types16 and 18—responsible for the development of cervical cancer
• Types 6 and 11—responsible for genital warts