WOMEN: COLPOSCOPY: TREATMENT. AFTER TREATMENT
Treatment isn’t always necessary. If it is, it consists of removing the abnormal area. Five types of treatment are used.
Laser destroys the abnormal cells with the heat produced by high-frequency light beams. This can be done as an outpatient procedure with local anaesthetic in a clinic or gynaecologist’s rooms, or with general anaesthetic in a day surgery or hospital, whichever you prefer.
Diathermy destroys abnormal cells with the heat produced by an electric current. This is usually done under general anaesthetic in a day surgery or hospital.
Cryosurgery is a method of destroying abnormal cells by freezing. Usually no anaesthetic is needed, so it can be done in your doctor’s rooms or an outpatient clinic.
Loop biopsy a loop of wire that carries a diathermy current is used to remove the abnormal epithelium and some underlying tissue from the cervix. Local or general anaesthetic may be used. This treatment is usually done in a day surgery or hospital.
Cone biopsy is the surgical removal of a cone-shaped section of the cervix. This needs general anaesthetic and usually a few days in hospital after the procedure.
All forms of treatment are effective. Your doctor will advise which treatment is most
suitable for the type and extent of your abnormality. In a small number of women the abnormal cells reappear after treatment. When this happens, treatment is repeated.
After treatment
There is usually some bloodstained discharge, often increasing three or four days after treatment when the destroyed tissue separates and is shed. Spotting may continue for several weeks after the procedure. Sex can be resumed when bleeding stops.
You will be advised to have a smear test and colposcopy six months after treatment, followed by another smear at 12 months and then annual smears for die next five years. If all remains normal, you can then go back to routine Paps every two years.
What about pregnancy?
Having an abnormal Pap smear test result doesn’t affect your ability to have children, but there are two points you should consider.
1 If you’ve had an abnormal smear, it is wise to have the abnormality assessed by colposcopy and treated if necessary before becoming pregnant.
2 If an abnormal Pap smear is found when you are already pregnant, your doctor ill probably recommend colposcopy, which won’t affect the pregnancy. Almost always any treatment that might be needed can wait until after your baby is born.
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