Sun
19
Apr
Cervical Dysplasia
Very few cancers can be identified so far ahead of the danger point as cancer
of the cervix. The cells lining the surface of the cervix begin to show changes
visible under a microscope a decade or more before invasive cancer develops, in
plenty of time for definitive treatment. For this reason, a regular, properly
performed and interpreted Pap smear is one of medicine's most effective
preventive methods.
The stages of progression from a healthy cervix to cancer begin with what is called mild dysplasia: precancerous alterations in structure and activity. Subsequently, altered cells spread from the surface of the cervix down toward the underlying tissue. In the early stages, cancerous changes may disappear on their own, but once these cells fully penetrate the lining, progression to true cancer usually occurs within 5 to 10 years.
Medical treatment consists of watchful waiting for spontaneous regression during the early stages and more aggressive removal of the cervical lining by laser, freezing, or other techniques if no regression occurs. These options are usually successful; however, they are invasive and frequently uncomfortable.
The stages of progression from a healthy cervix to cancer begin with what is called mild dysplasia: precancerous alterations in structure and activity. Subsequently, altered cells spread from the surface of the cervix down toward the underlying tissue. In the early stages, cancerous changes may disappear on their own, but once these cells fully penetrate the lining, progression to true cancer usually occurs within 5 to 10 years.
Medical treatment consists of watchful waiting for spontaneous regression during the early stages and more aggressive removal of the cervical lining by laser, freezing, or other techniques if no regression occurs. These options are usually successful; however, they are invasive and frequently uncomfortable.
Treatment
Proposed Treatments for Cervical Dysplasia:
It has been claimed that various natural herbs and supplements can improve the odds of early stages of dysplasia changing back to normal cells. If your physician suggests watchful waiting and a repeat examination, it should be safe to try some of these methods during the waiting period. However, there is no real scientific evidence that these treatments are effective, and in all circumstances close medical supervision is necessary to verify good results or identify failure. Alternative treatment is definitely not advisable for severe cervical dysplasia.
Folate
Folate deficiency is thought to increase the ease with which cervical cancer can develop. However, taking extra folate does not appear to reverse cervical dysplasia once it has occurred.
Indole-3-Carbinol
Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a substance found in broccoli-family vegetables. One small double-blind trial found evidence that I3C at a dose of 200 or 400 mg per day can improve the chances of cervical dysplasia returning to normal.
General Nutritional Support
Studies have found that women with cervical dysplasia tend to show a high frequency of general nutritional deficiencies, as high as 67% in one survey. For this reason, it probably makes sense to take a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Particular vitamin deficiencies most closely associated with cervical dysplasia include beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B6, selenium, and, as previously mentioned, folate. However, a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 141 women found that neither vitamin C nor beta-carotene supplements taken daily in doses of 500 mg and 30 mg, respectively, could reverse cervical dysplasia. Negative results were also seen studies that investigated beta-carotene by itself.
Emmenagogues
Many practitioners of herbal medicine feel that a class of herbs known as emmenagogues can be helpful in cervical dysplasia. These include squaw vine, motherwort, true unicorn, false unicorn, black cohosh, and blessed thistle.
It has been claimed that various natural herbs and supplements can improve the odds of early stages of dysplasia changing back to normal cells. If your physician suggests watchful waiting and a repeat examination, it should be safe to try some of these methods during the waiting period. However, there is no real scientific evidence that these treatments are effective, and in all circumstances close medical supervision is necessary to verify good results or identify failure. Alternative treatment is definitely not advisable for severe cervical dysplasia.
Folate
Folate deficiency is thought to increase the ease with which cervical cancer can develop. However, taking extra folate does not appear to reverse cervical dysplasia once it has occurred.
Indole-3-Carbinol
Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a substance found in broccoli-family vegetables. One small double-blind trial found evidence that I3C at a dose of 200 or 400 mg per day can improve the chances of cervical dysplasia returning to normal.
General Nutritional Support
Studies have found that women with cervical dysplasia tend to show a high frequency of general nutritional deficiencies, as high as 67% in one survey. For this reason, it probably makes sense to take a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Particular vitamin deficiencies most closely associated with cervical dysplasia include beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B6, selenium, and, as previously mentioned, folate. However, a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 141 women found that neither vitamin C nor beta-carotene supplements taken daily in doses of 500 mg and 30 mg, respectively, could reverse cervical dysplasia. Negative results were also seen studies that investigated beta-carotene by itself.
Emmenagogues
Many practitioners of herbal medicine feel that a class of herbs known as emmenagogues can be helpful in cervical dysplasia. These include squaw vine, motherwort, true unicorn, false unicorn, black cohosh, and blessed thistle.