has anyone ever had cryotherapy to treat precancerous cells in the cervix? my appointment is tomorrow and i'm very nervous. the biopsy itself was painful enough, i was just wondering how much worse this procedure will be. thanks so much.
2007-01-02 11:47:13 · 4 answers · asked by *KiM* 6 in Health ➔ Women's Health
preferably looking for someone with personal experience with the procedure please..
2007-01-02 12:00:48 · update #1
I had cryotherapy about 3 years ago. I was so scared, but it really wasn't at all what I expected. An instrument is inserted against your cervix and it has to reach a certain temperature to freeze the precancerous cells. You just lie there and wait for it to be over. It's uncomfortable, but not as bad as the biopsy or even a pap test. Just a slight pressure and having to lie still until it's over. My procedure took about 30 minutes.
Just stay calm and be glad it was found early and can be treated before developing into cancer. I had pap tests once every 3 months for a year, then every 6 months, and now once a year. They've all been normal since the procedure - no cancer and no abnormal cells.
I hope this helps you feel somewhat better. Please feel free to email me if you'd like: ryla_1@yahoo.com
Good luck and let me know how things go!
2007-01-02 12:10:14 · answer #1 · answered by ann46 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cryotherapy is not more painful than the biopsy. It is better than the side effects from radiation for cancer of the cervix by a long shot. Just take some deep breaths and try to relax. Good luck.
2007-01-02 11:51:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Cryosurgery is performed in your doctor's office while you are awake. It is similar to a pelvic exam:
1) you will be asked to undress from the waist down,
2) lay on an exam table with your feet in stirrups,
3) a speculum is inserted into your vagina to hold the vaginal canal open so that your cervix can be seen.
Cryotherapy uses special instruments called cryo probes.
During cryosurgery the cyro probes are inserted into your vagina until they firmly cover the abnormal areas of cervical tissue.
Next, liquid nitrogen begins to flow through the cryo probes at a temperature of approximately -50 degrees Celsius. This causes the metal cryo probes to freeze and destroy superficial abnormal cervical tissue.
The most effective treatment result is obtained by freezing for three minutes, letting the cervix thaw, and repeating the treatment for three more minutes.
You may feel some slight cramping. You may also experience either a sensation of cold or of heat.
2007-01-02 12:38:07 · answer #3 · answered by The Doctor 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
it will not be comfortable, but it is alot less painful than cervical cancer.
2007-01-02 11:49:04 · answer #4 · answered by nobudE 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋