Treatment for Precancerous Lesions

Treatment for a precancerous lesion of the cervix depends on whether the lesion is low or high grade, whether the woman wants to have children in the future, and the woman's age and general health. A woman with a low-grade lesion may not need further treatment, especially if the abnormal area was completely removed during biopsy. When a precancerous lesion requires treatment, the doctor may use cryosurgery (freezing) or laser surgery to destroy the abnormal area without harming nearby healthy tissue. More often, the doctor will remove the abnormal tissue by LEEP or conization. In some precancerous cases, a woman may have a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, including the cervix), particularly if abnormal cells are found inside the opening of the cervix.

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Precancerous lesions are usually curable if caught early. However, a woman should continue with regular Pap tests and pelvic exams, especially if she has HPV.

Read more about LEEP, conization, and other procedures used for precancerous lesions and small cancers on the next page.