Cervical Screening

Cryotherapy is a freezing treatment used to treat abnormal cervical cells, which are also known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), by destroying the affected area so that normal cells can grow back in their place.

It has a slightly lower success rate than other treatments for abnormal cervical cells such as loop diathermy (LLETZ), cone biopsy, and laser therapy, and so it is less commonly used.

A biopsy (a sample of tissue) is required before cryotherapy treatment is used. Cryotherapy is usually performed in a hospital outpatient clinic using a local anaesthetic.

A cold probe is used to freeze the abnormal cells. Most women need only one session of treatment.