Cryotherapy for Abnormal Cervical Cell Changes
Surgery Overview
Cryotherapy destroys abnormal tissue on the cervix, Opens dialog by freezing it. This treatment destroys some normal tissue along with the abnormal tissue.
Your doctor will put a tool called a speculum into your vagina. It opens the vagina a little bit. A special fluid may be put on your cervix to make the tissue easier to see. During the procedure, a very cold substance, such as liquid carbon dioxide (CO2), circulates through a probe placed next to the abnormal tissue. This freezes the tissue for 2 to 3 minutes. The tissue may be allowed to thaw and then be refrozen for another 2 to 3 minutes. A single freeze treatment for 5 minutes may also be used.
This treatment causes some discomfort. You may feel a sensation of cold and a little cramping. And sometimes a sense of warmth spreads to the upper body and face.
Cryotherapy is not the best treatment if abnormal cells are high in the cervical canal. In that case, another treatment, such as an excisional biopsy of the cervix, is recommended instead.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
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