This abnormality is a precursor to cervical cancer, and must be treated carefully and promptly. Until recently, cryosurgery was the most common treatment of choice for cervical dysplasias. It is imperative that cervical dysplasia be eliminated on the first treatment attempt. Background HPV is considered an epidemic in the United States. After an abnormal Pap smear, a clinician may proceed with a colposcopy to further investigate the cervix and may decide to take a biopsy.
Cryosurgery is an ablative treatment that destroys abnormal tissue by freezing.
A probe is placed against the cervix, cooling it to sub-zero temperature with liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide. Dead cells are then shed over a period of time. All of the dysplasia is removed, preferably in one sweep, preserving the abnormal tissue for histologic interpretation. Local anesthesia is used, and there is a small risk of excessive bleeding. While there is a large body of research concerning cryosurgery and LEEP separately, only one study was identified that compared their dysplasia recurrence rates.