[Carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of premalignant lesions of the cervix (author's transl)].

Cervical dysplasia is classified in various groups according to the extent of the epithelial anomalies. Severe dysplasia, in which the entire depth of the epithelium is diseased, is assimilated to the situ carcinoma. The diagnosis is established by cytology and above all by colposcopy which enables to guide the biopsy. Since all dysplasias, whether mild, moderate or severe, may lead to cancer, their treatment is always warranted. The carbon dioxide laser appears to be superior to the other methods of local therapy. Exocervical dysplasia requires ablation for histological examination, followed by a 7 mm-deep tissue destruction. The carbon dioxide laser also allows conization for endocervical dysplasias. A perfect knowledge of colposcopy is indispensable for this therapeutic procedure.