Treatment to the cervix
Why would I need treatment to the cervix? If you have abnormal cells in your cervix then you may need them removed by a Consultant Gynaecologist, incase they become cancerous. What are the types of treatment to the cervix? Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) LLETZ is the most common treatment to remove abnormal cells. It involves removing the abnormal cells using
What it is
Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ) uses a fine heated wire loop to remove the abnormal area of cervix under local anaesthetic. Cone biopsy is a wider excision under general anaesthetic, reserved for selected cases. Both also serve as a diagnostic histology specimen.
When this is relevant
- Confirmed CIN 2 or CIN 3 on colposcopy biopsy.
- Persistent low-grade changes with persistent high-risk HPV.
- Glandular abnormalities (cGIN) where cone biopsy is preferred.
- Test-of-cure abnormal at 6 months post previous treatment.
- Selected microinvasive cervical cancer (cone biopsy).
How we investigate
Colposcopy with biopsy confirming the grade and location, HPV co-test, pregnancy exclusion before treatment.
Options at The Vesey
- Outpatient LLETZ - 10 minutes, local anaesthetic, same-day discharge. Most patients return to work the next day; some bleeding for 2-4 weeks is expected.
- Day-case cone biopsy under GA - for deeper excision or glandular disease.
- Test-of-cure pathway - HPV + cytology at 6 months post-treatment per UK guidance.
- Fertility counselling - LLETZ slightly increases pre-term delivery risk; informed consent reviews this.
- Annual surveillance for selected high-risk patients.
Does LLETZ affect future pregnancies? +
LLETZ slightly increases the risk of preterm birth and late miscarriage in subsequent pregnancies by weakening the cervix. The absolute increase in risk is small — studies quote an approximate doubling of relative risk from around 1.5% to 3% for preterm birth before 37 weeks — but it is important that your obstetrician knows you have had treatment. We document this explicitly in your follow-up letter.
What is CIN and is it cancer? +
CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) means abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix — it is not cancer. CIN is graded 1, 2 or 3 based on the thickness of the cervix lining affected. CIN 1 often resolves spontaneously. CIN 2 and 3 are precancerous changes that need treatment to prevent progression to cervical cancer, which is why LLETZ is recommended.
What is the test-of-cure and when does it happen? +
Test-of-cure is a combined HPV and cervical cytology test performed 6 months after LLETZ. If HPV is not detected, you return to routine 3-yearly or 5-yearly screening. If HPV is still detected, colposcopy is repeated. UK NHS and BSCCP guidelines define this pathway; we follow the same protocol for private patients.
Does the LLETZ procedure hurt? +
LLETZ is performed under local anaesthetic injected into the cervix. You will feel pressure and possibly a cramping sensation during the injection and procedure, but most patients describe the procedure as tolerable rather than painful. It takes about 10 minutes. Some cramping and light bleeding for 2–4 weeks afterwards is normal; heavy bleeding, offensive discharge or fever should prompt a call to us.
Pricing at a glance
LLETZ under local anaesthetic £950 all-inclusive (consultation, procedure, histology, written report). Cone biopsy under GA on individual quotation. Insurance accepted: BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix.
Book an appointment
When to book
Book if you have a colposcopy biopsy result confirming CIN 2/3 or persistent HPV with low-grade changes, or want to accelerate the NHS LLETZ pathway.
Cost and pathway
LLETZ under local anaesthetic £950 all-inclusive (consultation, procedure, histology, written report). Cone biopsy under GA on individual quotation.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our gynaecology team
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Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
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