My previous blog post covered the basics of the cervical exam and abnormal results (read it here). Often times when abnormal cytology results show up, Gynecologists take a ‘watch and wait’ approach and patients are asked to come back in for a re-pap in 6 months. Naturopathic medicine has a lot to offer the patient to build up immune function and support their body during this crucial time period. Advanced cases of dysplasia still require the standard treatment of colposcopy, though adjunctive treatment through Naturopathic Modalities can still be done in these instances. Here are some potential scenarios where Naturopathic Treatment would be great consideration.

• ASC-US – with or without HPV
• Normal Cytology with HPV
• CIN I or II

Here are some treatment considerations for an abnormal pap result:

AHCC (active hexose correlated compound) – An extract found in Japanese mushroom has shown significant impact on the HPV Virus. Three to five month treatment using this extract has shown promising results, in a pilot study, 5 of 10 women treated achieved a negative HPV result. AHCC works to stimulate the innate immune function, increasing the number/activity of Natural Killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells and cytokines, which can help the body fight off infections and block tumor growth.

Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) – a potent phytochemical that is often used to treat estrogen imbalances helps to also reverse CIN, it induces cell death in abnormal cells. It is found in green, cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli).

Antioxidants – higher levels of antioxidants are known for their anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that levels of CoQ10, Vitamin C and Vitamin E were lower in patients diagnosed with CIN and cervical cancer. A recent study has shown that high intake of Vitamin C reduced the risk of cervical dysplasia.

Folic Acid – Methylated folate is a great consideration because cervical dysplasia shows improvement through its use.

Coriolus versicolor – a mushroom known for its immune supportive properties, it has been studied for its use in cancer patients undergoing treatment. Coriolus supplementation over a year was found to significantly increase the regression of dysplasia and high risk HPV virus.

Vaginal suppository treatment – the substances used in these packs help draw out the infection and boost immune function locally. Suppositories may include: magnesium, glycerin, hydrastis, thuja, tea tree oil, bitter orange oil, Vitamin A, and ferric sulfate. Hydrastis, thuja and bitter orange are effective anti-microbial agents. Green tea suppositories can also be compounded to help inhibit cancer cell growth.

This list is by no means comprehensive, there are many other supplements that may be beneficial inclusions in a supportive treatment plan. Improvement in cervical dysplasia is also seen through the use of EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate), an extract from green tea, through oral use or topical applications on cervical lesions. Escharotic treatments are also a great treatment avenue, plant and mineral extracts are applied topically to treat skin lesion. Bromelian, a natural enzyme is applied to the surface of the cervix to specifically treat cervical dysplasia, it helps dissolve the top layer of the cervix which is infected/damaged by the HPV Virus.  Zinc chloride and Sanguinaria are also used in the Escharotic treatment of cervical dysplasia.

Most of these nutrient therapies require long term use and are combined with diet and lifestyle optimization. Each patient should know the alternatives available to her when it comes to treatment options for an Abnormal Pap.