LLETZ vs Cold Coagulation

[DisneyLady1]

I know this is probably something to ask my gynae, but...

I'll be going for a colposcopy soon for CIN 2 cells (and high risk HPV). The cells were discovered a year ago, but I was pregnant by the time the results came through so I couldn't get them treated. I understand they might have regressed or progressed by now, a year on.

Assuming they are still CIN 2 or CIN 3, the treatment recommended to me by the doctor was cold coagulation.

My assumption is that, with this treatment they burn off the cells that are visible and then you go for a checkup a few months after for further possible biopsies?

My concern is: unlike LLETZ, it doesn't seem that the cells destroyed by cold coagulation can be tested for cancer , or whether "deeper" cells are cancerous?

I'm therefore worried that it might miss something or not fully address the issue.

Does anyone have any experience of this?

I know benefits of CC are regarding ability to carry a baby etc, but we have completed our family so id rather just go for the most comprehensive treatment tbh.

Hi OP - how old are you if you don’t mind me asking? I’m not aware of age having an impact on choice of procedure but I was just wondering in case

You’re correct that cold coagulation is a ‘destructive’ treatment rather than one that they can analyse the tissue from, and I get why you would maybe want them to be able to test the tissue taken during the procedure.

as far as I know cold coagulation is much less common these days than LLETZ. It does seem to have a shorter healing time, maybe if you have a young family this is why it’s been suggested so you’re not having the longer recover.

The clinic should be set up for both procedures so if you feel strongly about it I am sure they would let you choose to have a LLETZ instead

Thank you for your kind message @ContaCat ! I am on the tail end of 35, but look fairly young, so maybe the doctor thought that cold coagulation would be better for me in that respect.

I will spend some time discussing both procedures, and hopefully the doctor can maybe elucidate why one is recommended over the other. For various reasons I had one colposcopy privately and one on the NHS - it was the private doctor that suggested CC and then the NHS doc said LLETZ is what they'd do. I'm not sure if it is a general policy thing, or it just happens to be what the doctors personally prefer or have specialised in.

In any case, thanks again for your response! :)