Treatments for Cervical Changes - Cone Biopsy
A cone biopsy can be used to diagnose and treat changes to cervical cells. During the procedure, which is performed under local anaesthetic, a doctor will remove the affected area of your cervix using either a laser or a knife. This will allow a thorough examination of the cells within the cervical canal.
As a treatment for cervical changes cone biopsy is often replaced with LLETZ although it is frequently used to help with diagnosis of abnormal cells.
Before a cone biopsy is undertaken you will be administered with either a local or general anaesthetic depending on how much tissue needs to be removed and by what means, either laser or with a surgical blade. You will be told what to expect beforehand so you will know what to prepare and how long you will need to stay, if at all, in hospital.
During your cone biopsy a small cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue will be removed and sent to the lab for investigation. Your doctor may put a dressing in place to help stop any bleeding and if so this will be removed the following day. You will have some discharge or mild bleeding for a few days after your operation and you may be asked to apply antibiotics vaginally to prevent infection.
If the biopsy has successfully removed all the abnormal cells then it is likely you won't require any further intervention but instead will be asked to return for a repeat colposcopy or smaer test in a few months time.
It's important you give your cervix an opportunity to heal completely after a cone biopsy. You will need to rest and avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting. You should also refrain from sex for around six weeks.
Complications after a Cone Biopsy
Unfortunately sometimes a cone biopsy may lead to some damage or weakening of the cervix. This can make it more likely that you will suffer a miscarriage in the future. If in later years you do find you are pregnant mention to your doctor that you have had a cone biopsy as a stitch can then be placed in your cervix to help prevent a miscarriage occuring. The stitch will normally be placed in the cervix in the early weeks of your pregnancy and removed a few weeks before labour is anticipated, typically around 38 weeks.
Another complication after a cone biopsy is that the cervical opening may become tightly closes. Although this is not common if it does occur it can be responsible for painful periods, difficulty conceiving as sperm cannot make their way though the tightened cervix, and even labour complications.
After your cone biopsy, if you do not menstruate within a few weeks you should mention it to your doctor as this can be an indication that your cervical opening has closed too tightly and an operation may be required to deal with this.
Related Smear Test Articles
Treatments for Cervical Changes
Cervical Cancer and Human Papilloma Virus
Resources
For further information about HPV visit NHS Cancer Screening Programme.
Further information about Colposcopy and invasive illness is available from the British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology.
