Cauterization destroys abnormal tissue using heat, electricity or chemicals. It can be done in a physician's office or in a hospital on an outpatient basis. Usually, no anesthesia is necessary. Cauterization is considered very safe. However, occasionally it causes scarring that makes future Pap smears difficult to interpret.
Cryosurgery destroys tissue by application of extreme cold in the form of liquid nitrogen.
This procedure can also be done in the physician's office. Laser surgery uses a high-energy beam of light to burn away the dysplasia. There is little or no damage to surrounding tissue, and the area heals quickly. This is usually an outpatient hospital or office procedure. A cone biopsy may be done if advanced dysplasia is present.