This ultracooled instrument is then applied to the surface of the cervix. The cells are frozen, and they eventually die and are sloughed off, to be replaced by new cervical cells. Tissue may also be removed by laser ablation. Using this technique, the doctor uses a laser beam to destroy either specific areas of cervical tissue or a whole layer of tissue at the surface of the cervix. The success of the cryocautery and laser ablation procedures is determined by follow-up examination and Pap test.
Cancerous cells demonstrate invasion of surrounding tissues.
If a biopsy shows that cancerous cells have invaded through a layer called the basement membrane, which separates the surface layers of the cervix from other underlying layers, surgery will usually be required. The extent of the surgery may vary, depending on the stage of the cancer. Radiation therapy is also used to fight cervical cancer at some stages. The prognosis for invasive cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer when it is found. These statistics are the reason that prevention is stressed in this disease.