Therapeutic Approach to abnormal Papsmear

As mentioned in the previous article (Factors that can contribute to an abnormal Pap smear), the careful monitoring of any cervical cell abnormality by your doctor or gynaecologist is essential. The additional therapeutic approach depends on the severity of the dysplasia. If the Pap smear indicates benign cell abnormalities (CIN 1 or CIN2) the recommendations outlined by one of our Naturopaths can quite often be employed with careful monitoring (which means getting a Pap smear every three months until the results are normal). However if the Pap smear demonstrates significant dysplasia (CIN3), it must be first ascertained whether there is cancer involved. Diagnosis and treatment of CIN 3 pap smears usually includes either a cone biopsy or loop electrical excision procedure (LEETZ). These procedures remove a piece of the cervix which not only gets rid of abnormal cells, but determines whether localised cancer of the cervix (carcinoma in situ) has developed. A CIN2 Pap smear should also be biopsied if a woman has recurrent abnormal Pap smears, has significant risk factors for cervical cancer, or does not respond to the therapy outlined by your Naturopath within three months. Treatment Approaches: Eliminate Risk Factors When cervical dysplasia is present the first step is to eliminate risk factors (outlined in previous article) where possible, and to optimize one’s nutritional status. Diet •            Reduce fat intake (especially animal fats) to no more than 25% of the diet. •            Increase fruit and vegetables in the diet and eat organic whenever possible (especially green leafy vegetables). Fruit and vegetables are said to provide the best polypharmacy against the development of malignancy in tissue. •            Increase fibre content in the diet (increasing fruit and vegetables should help in this regard) •            Consumption of animal products should be decreased. Fish and legumes should be increased. Certified organically fed chicken and red meat may be consumed if the fat is trimmed. •            Avoid tea and coffee. Dandelion coffee substitute, green and herbal teas are preferred. •            Whole grain bread / rice / pasta and organic whenever possible. Avoid refined flour products. •            Avoid too much sugar and sweet foods such as honey and undiluted fruit juices •           Spinach should be included on a regular basis -  Substances in spinach can imprison and paralyse the virus that would otherwise cause cervical cancer. •            Research has found that those with higher levels of folic acid (found in green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and asparagus) and lycopene (a tomato compound) are much less vulnerable to cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. •            Increase sources of Beta Carotene - Low levels of beta-carotene are often found in those with cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. Major sources of beta-carotene are dark orange and green vegetables. Sweet potatoes, carrots, dried apricots, kale spinach and pumpkin have the most. In addition to these guidelines, more specific recommendations are often required and can be tailored by one of our Naturopaths. Supplementation Vitamin and mineral deficiencies play a major role in the onset of cervical dysplasia. In conjunction with the above dietary changes and eliminating the risk factors for cervical cell changes (where possible), our Naturopaths can prescribe specific nutritional supplements and herbs to improve the health of the cervical cells and to increase the chances of reversing any abnormality. There is much literature suggesting there is a role for nutrients and herbs in the prevention and reversal of cervical dysplasia. If you would like more information or to make an appointment with Lisa or one of our experienced Naturopaths, please call the clinic on 02) 9976 5466