From the Guidelines
After cervical cryotherapy performed 10 years ago, common physical findings may include cervical stenosis, scarring, or a pale appearance of the cervix, which are generally normal post-cryotherapy changes and typically don't require intervention unless they cause symptoms. The cervix might appear whitish or have a visible demarcation between treated and untreated tissue. Some women may have decreased cervical mucus production due to destruction of mucus-producing glands during the procedure.
Expected Physical Findings
- Cervical stenosis
- Scarring
- Pale appearance of the cervix
- Visible demarcation between treated and untreated tissue
- Decreased cervical mucus production These findings are consistent with the expected outcomes of cryotherapy, as discussed in the context of cervical cancer screening and treatment 1. It is essential to note that while these physical findings are generally benign, regular gynecological follow-up remains crucial as cryotherapy was likely performed to treat cervical dysplasia or precancerous changes.
Follow-up and Screening
Patients should continue with recommended cervical cancer screening according to current guidelines, usually every 3-5 years depending on age and screening method 1. The importance of long-term follow-up is highlighted by studies indicating that the risk of recurrent or persistent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) remains higher than the background population risk for many years after treatment 1. If you experience any unusual symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, discharge, or pain, consult your healthcare provider promptly as these could indicate other issues unrelated to your past cryotherapy.
From the Research
Cervical Physical Findings After Cryotherapy
The expected cervical physical findings after having undergone cervical cryotherapy 10 years prior can be summarized as follows:
- The efficacy of cryotherapy in treating cervical dysplasia has been established, with studies showing clearance rates of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) ranging from 54% to 83% 2, 3.
- However, the long-term effects of cryotherapy on cervical physical findings are not well-documented, and it is unclear what findings would be expected 10 years after treatment.
- A study published in 2021 found that cryotherapy was not effective in all women with low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1), with 28.24% of women in the cryotherapy group still having premalignant or malignant cervical lesions after 12 months 4.
- Another study published in 2017 found that 64% of women had an abnormal screen by visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), Pap smear, and/or HR-HPV testing at a median of 6.3 months posttreatment, suggesting that cryotherapy may not completely eliminate abnormal cervical findings 5.
- A study published in 1989 found that the cure rate after cryotherapy was 54%, with residual disease encountered in patients after the first treatment with cryotherapy classified as HPV-NCIN in 78.9% of cases 2.
- A study published in 2014 found that cryotherapy was an effective, acceptable, and well-tolerated means of treating cervical dysplasia in a low-resource setting, with a clearance rate of HR-HPV of 83% at 2 years 3.
Key Findings
- Cryotherapy can be effective in treating cervical dysplasia, but its long-term effects on cervical physical findings are not well-documented.
- Abnormal cervical findings can still be present after cryotherapy, even 10 years after treatment.
- The efficacy of cryotherapy in treating cervical dysplasia can vary depending on the population and setting.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of cryotherapy on cervical physical findings.