Treatment for a precancerous lesion of the cervix depends on a number of factors. These factors include whether the lesion is of low or high grade, whether the woman wants to have children in the future, the woman's age and general health, and the preference of the woman and her doctor.
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A woman with a low-grade lesion as confirmed by biopsy and histology may not need further treatment. She should have regular gynaecological examinations and Pap smears. When a high-grade lesion is present, it should be destroyed. For this, the doctor may use laser surgery, electrocauterisation methods (also called diathermy) such as LLETZ/LOOP or surgical conisation. Sometimes, cryosurgery (freezing) is also used to destroy the abnormal area. Treatment for precancerous lesions may sometimes cause cramping or other pain, bleeding, or a watery discharge.
In a number of cases, women will undergo a standard total hysterectomy, particularly if abnormal cells occur again after previous treatment of HSIL. Total hysterectomy means that the womb is removed together with the cervix, but not the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. This surgery can be performed abdominally (through an incision in the abdomen below the navel) or vaginally (through the vagina without an abdominal incision). Hysterectomy is more likely to be done when there is no further wish to have children in the future.
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