When abnormal cells are found on the cervix this condition is called
dysplasia. Cervical dysplasia is considered to be a precancerous
condition. Mild dysplasia can disappear on its own or it can be the
first step towards cervical cancer. Having annual Pap smear tests
is crucial for detecting and monitoring cervical dysplasia. Dysplasia
can occur at any age from puberty onward. It's usually found in women
between the ages of 25 and 35.
When a Pap smear test reveals cervical dysplasia, another Pap smear
is usually ordered to confirm the first test result. If abnormal cells
are still present, a procedure called a colposcopy may be performed.
The colposcope magnifies and focuses an intense light on the cervix,
this allows the doctor to observe the cervix in greater detail. The
doctor can then take a biopsy, a piece of the cervix to be analyzed. If
the biopsy shows that abnormal cell growth extends into the cervical
canal, a cone biopsy may be performed. This is when a cone-shaped
tissue sample is removed for analysis. This procedure may be done in a
hospital using general anesthesia or in a doctor's office.
Removal of the dysplastic cells is usually recommended since the
presence of this abnormal tissue seems to increase a woman's risk of
developing cervical cancer. This is done by cauterization, cryosurgery
or laser surgery. Cauterization uses heat, electricity or chemicals to
burn the abnormal tissue off the cervix. Cryosurgery freezes the cells
and laser surgery destroys the cells with a laser. Frequent pap smears
are usually recommended to evaluate if the treatment was successful.
Factors that predispose females to risk are as follows:
serum Beta-carotene levels and Vitamin A levels. These nutrients
improve the integrity and function of epithelial cells - act as an
antioxidant and improves immune functions.
contraceptive use decreases numerous nutrient levels (Vitamin C, B12,
B6, Folic acid, B2 and Zinc) which are involved in immunity.
Folate deficiency appears to increase the ease with which cervical
cancer can develop. The dosage of folate used for treatment purposes is
often as much as 10 mg daily. Because folate can mask vitamin B12
deficiency, dosages at this level must be prescribed by a physician. It
is known that cervical cytological abnormalities related to folic acid
deficiency precede haematological abnormalities by many weeks. Oral
contraceptive users are usually low in tissue levels of folic acid due
to inhibition of tissue folate uptake, particularly in the cervix, thus
an abnormal cytological smear may reflect folate deficiency rather then
dysplasia.
Studies have found that women with cervical dysplasia tend to show a
high frequency of general nutritional deficiencies. Because of this
they should take a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Particular
vitamins most commonly associated with cervical dysplasia when
deficient include beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and selenium.
Treatment
Nutritional Supplement Options
| Heme 100 | 3 - 6/day (Folic acid supplement) |
| BACE | 3/day (Antioxidant/A and Beta carotene supplement) |
| Lymphodran | 3/day (Anti viral) |
| Flavonol C | 3/day (Vitamin C supplement) |
| Zymin | 5 - 15 mls/day (Zinc Supplement) |
| Kelamin | 1 - 3/day (Multi B and mineral complex) |
| GLA/EFA | 3 tsp/day (Anti viral and anti-inflammatory) |
| Betacarotene | 10mg 3/day (Betacarotene supplement) |
The
herbs and nutrients mentioned above reflect the major nutritional
supplements that may help the condition. Please do remember however
that nutritional supplementation is an adjunct to medical treatment and
in no way replaces medical treatment.
