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Colposcopy is a medical exam that involves applying fluid to the cervix to look for abnormal cells and taking a tissue sample. CIN 1 is monitored, while CIN 2 and 3 require treatment. Treatment options include laser treatment, cryotherapy, cold coagulation, and LLETZ.
During the medical exam known as a colposcopy, fluid is applied to the cervix, or neck of the womb, to help look for any abnormal cells when viewed through the colposcope, and a small tissue sample or biopsy is taken. The doctor can inform a patient immediately of any abnormal cells that are found, but, if not, the results of the colposcopy that are received later should always be discussed with a doctor. The findings typically describe abnormal cellular changes, which can range from mild to severe dyskaryosis, and how much of the cervical skin thickness is affected by these cellular changes. CIN 1 refers to one third of the affected thickness, while CIN 3 means that the entire thickness of the skin of the cervix contains abnormal cells, but this is not the same as having cervical cancer. While CIN 1 can be monitored, CIN 2 and 3 will require treatment to remove the abnormal cells.
In most cases, colposcopy findings show mild dyskaryosis and CIN 1. CIN, or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, is a diagnostic term used to describe abnormal cells in the cervix that are not cancerous, but have the potential to develop into cancer in the future. Treatment for CIN 1 is not always necessary because it is possible for cells to return to normal on their own, and in most cases this is what happens. After a diagnosis of CIN 1, the patient is still monitored with regular colposcopy visits because the condition can sometimes progress to CIN 2 or 3.
When colposcopy results show moderate or severe dyskaryosis and CIN 2 or CIN 3, cells are unlikely to return to normal and treatment becomes necessary. This is to prevent the possibility of developing cervical cancer, which could occur if the abnormal cells are left untreated for a number of years. The results do not mean that cervical cancer is already present and a doctor should be happy to explain this and outline possible treatments to the patient.
There are several treatment options after colposcopy results showing CIN 2 or CIN 3. The preferred treatment may vary depending on the doctor or clinic and the extent to which the cervix is affected by the abnormal cellular changes. Laser treatment can be used to destroy areas containing abnormal cells, or the cells can be frozen by cryotherapy or burned using the so-called cold coagulation technique. Transformation zone large loop excision, or LLETZ, involves the use of a loop of wire through which an electric current is passed. This can be used, under a local anesthetic, to cut out parts of the cervix where there are abnormal cells.
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