HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Carbon Dioxide Laser Surgery for Abnormal Cervical Cell Changes
Why It Is Done
Carbon dioxide laser surgery is done when:
- Abnormal cell changes found on a Pap test have been confirmed by Reference colposcopy Opens New Window and Reference cervical biopsy Opens New Window, and the abnormal cells are visible through the colposcope.
- Reference Moderate to severe cell changes are found on a Pap test. If these abnormalities cannot be confirmed by colposcopy, cells may be collected from high up in the cervical canal by cervical biopsy. If the abnormal cells are high in the cervix, the CO2 laser can be used to do a cone biopsy to remove abnormal tissue.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: December 28, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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