Cervical Conization Treatment

Doing away with irregular tissues from the cervix is commonly termed cervical conization. It is also known as a Cone biopsy. Cone biopsy is a procedure where cone-shaped abnormal tissues are removed from the cervix. A biopsy provides an inside image of your cervix, where cells, tissues, and fluids are all examined by a medical healthcare provider to determine suitable treatment. The people who are most liable to this illness are:

• Women
• Transgender (trans) men
• People assigned female at birth

Types of Cone Biopsy

• Punch Biopsy: A circular blade is used here to take away a tissue sample. The area of the cervix necessitates one or more punch biopsies.
• Cone Biopsy: A laser, electrical loop, or scalpel is employed to resect a sizable cone-shaped portion of tissue from the cervix.
• Endocervical Curettage (ECC): To remove anomalous bleeding in the uterus or check for abnormal Pap tests, this biopsy is preferred. A narrow tool in the shape of a spoon, known as a curette, is used to scrape the lining of the endocervical canal. This area is hardly visible from the outside of the cervix.

Need for Cervical Conization

Any abnormality in a pelvic examination may necessitate cervical biopsy. The following conditions or symptoms may recommend one to go for the test:

• Non-Cancerous Growths: A cervical biopsy can identify non-cancerous growths on the cervix, such as polyps. 
• Abnormal Pap Tests: An abnormal Pap test result may suggest the existence of abnormal cells.
• Genital Warts: A positive HPV test can be a signal for the existence of high-risk HPV strains, which have been related to cervical cancer. 

Risk Factors of Cervical Conization

Cone biopsy, although safe, carries certain risks. These may include:

• Bleeding: A little loss of blood is normal, but heavy bleeding may need medical attention.
• Cervical Weakness: When a cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed, it can weaken the cervix, perhaps leading to complications in forthcoming pregnancies.
• Infection: Risk of infection at the biopsy site increases, which can cause fever and pain.
• Alteration in Menstrual Cycle: Changes in the menstrual cycle of women cannot be ignored after the procedure.
• Reactions to Anesthesia: Side effects to anesthesia also should not be ignored, though these are rare.

Side Effects of Cone Biopsy

• Menstrual cramps
• Moderate pain or discomfort
• Vaginal bleeding

Treatment for Cone Biopsy

Before the Procedure

• Signing of a consent form that allows the surgeon to proceed with the surgery. Read the form thoroughly and where there is doubt, clear them before going ahead.
• Try to avoid eating and drinking before the start of this medical surgery treatment.
• Vaginal creams, sanitary pads and medications must be averted for 24 hours before the surgical procedure.
• Inform your consulted doctor in case of pregnancy or contemplating having a child. 
• Any reaction to certain medications or anesthesia drugs should be revealed to the healthcare provider.
• Avoid any sexual activity for 24 hours before the procedure.
• History of bleeding disorders, intake of blood-thinning drugs or medicines that affect blood-clotting should also be discussed.

During the Procedure

• Anesthesia: General, regional, or local anesthesia, as per the medical condition and the surgeon’s advice, is given to make the patient asleep and pain-free.
• Removal of Specimen: To pull out a cone-shaped tissue sample from the cervix. Surgical knife, laser, or loop electrosurgical excision process is employed. The size and depth of the cone biopsy may differ as on the problem being treated in the patient.
• Hemostasis: Once the tissue sample is done away with, the surgeon uses procedures such as electrocautery or sutures to halt bleeding.
• Recovery and Follow-Up: After the procedure, patients are typically followed in a recovery area to monitor their vital signs. Pain medication can be prescribed.

After the Procedure

The type of biopsy depends on your recovery. Your blood pressure, heart beat, and all vitals will be monitored just to make sure you are fit for discharge. You may need to take rest for a few hours in the clinic or hospital as part of the treatment.

Menstrual pain may be felt for some days, and some over-the-counter pain medicines may be of help. Some safety measures to be taken include:

• Stay away from sexual activity.
• Do not lift any heavy objects.
• Avoid swimming and bathing.

Cone Biopsy Results

Abnormal results indicate cancerous cells are persisting on your cervix. These cells are called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). CIN can range from 1 to 3, depending on the presence of aberrant cells.

• CIN I: A mild cervical dysplasia. Cells are somewhat abnormal.
• CIN II: Moderate to average cervical dysplasia. Cells are abnormal.
• CIN III: Severe cervical dysplasia, early stage of cervical cancer. 
• Cells are severely abnormal and will likely become cancerous.