Women's Health
Dr Holland aims to give women the clearest advice around women's health issues to help them to understand their health and the options and choices available to them in their treatment.
Treatment & Screening Tests
Cervical Biopsy: A cervical biopsy is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate abnormal cervical tissue found during a Pap smear.
Cervical Screen: The Pap smear has been replaced by a new cervical screening test to detect the human papilloma virus (HPV). The Pap smear used to look for cell changes in the cervix, but the new test looks for HPV which can lead to those changes. The test is known simply as the cervical screening test.
Colposcopy: A colposcopy is a minor procedure in which a special microscope is used to examine the surface of the cervix for abnormalities. During a colposcopy, a small amount of tissue might be removed and sent to a laboratory for testing. This is almost always done in Dr Holland’s private rooms.
Dilatation and curettage (‘D&C’). Dilatation and curettage (‘D&C’) is an operation to scrape away tissue from the inside of the womb (uterus). It’s used to diagnose and treat many conditions, including abnormal bleeding, and after a miscarriage.
Cystoscopy. Cystoscopy is designed to diagnose and evaluate urinary tract injuries, and to provide guidance before and during surgical procedures.
Endometrial ablation. Endometrial ablation is a procedure in which the uterine lining is destroyed either with a laser electrosurgery, or another method.
Endometrial biopsy. Endometrial biopsy is a diagnostic test performed in a doctor’s office. The test is used to acquire a small tissue sample of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for further examination.
Hysterectomy: Hysterectomy refers to surgical removal of the uterus. Frequently, the ovaries are removed at the same time. Hysterectomy is widely accepted both by medical professionals and the public as appropriate treatment for uterine cancer and for various common non-cancerous uterine conditions that can produce disabling symptoms of pain, discomfort, uterine bleeding, emotional distress, and related complaints. Yet, while hysterectomy can alleviate uterine problems, less invasive treatments are available for some conditions.
Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscopy is a procedure that uses a small camera to look inside the uterus, or womb. It is used to diagnose or treat problems with the uterus. You might need a hysteroscopy to investigate problems such as heavy periods abnormal bleeding or infertility. Some conditions of the uterus can be treated during hysteroscopy.
LLETZ: A LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone) is commonly used to treat abnormal cells found on the cervix. These cells are not cancer but may be pre-cancer. The ‘loop’ is thin hot wire (diathermy) loop which is used to lift away the abnormal cells from the surface of the cervix. A LLETZ procedure usually takes only 5-10 minutes and can be done in rooms under local anaesthetic or under a general anaesthetic in Newcastle Private Hospital. After a LLETZ, the cervix usually grows healthy normal skin where the abnormal cells have been.
Cervical Screen: The Pap smear has been replaced by a new cervical screening test to detect the human papilloma virus (HPV). The Pap smear used to look for cell changes in the cervix, but the new test looks for HPV which can lead to those changes. The test is known simply as the cervical screening test.
Colposcopy: A colposcopy is a minor procedure in which a special microscope is used to examine the surface of the cervix for abnormalities. During a colposcopy, a small amount of tissue might be removed and sent to a laboratory for testing. This is almost always done in Dr Holland’s private rooms.
Dilatation and curettage (‘D&C’). Dilatation and curettage (‘D&C’) is an operation to scrape away tissue from the inside of the womb (uterus). It’s used to diagnose and treat many conditions, including abnormal bleeding, and after a miscarriage.
Cystoscopy. Cystoscopy is designed to diagnose and evaluate urinary tract injuries, and to provide guidance before and during surgical procedures.
Endometrial ablation. Endometrial ablation is a procedure in which the uterine lining is destroyed either with a laser electrosurgery, or another method.
Endometrial biopsy. Endometrial biopsy is a diagnostic test performed in a doctor’s office. The test is used to acquire a small tissue sample of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for further examination.
Hysterectomy: Hysterectomy refers to surgical removal of the uterus. Frequently, the ovaries are removed at the same time. Hysterectomy is widely accepted both by medical professionals and the public as appropriate treatment for uterine cancer and for various common non-cancerous uterine conditions that can produce disabling symptoms of pain, discomfort, uterine bleeding, emotional distress, and related complaints. Yet, while hysterectomy can alleviate uterine problems, less invasive treatments are available for some conditions.
Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscopy is a procedure that uses a small camera to look inside the uterus, or womb. It is used to diagnose or treat problems with the uterus. You might need a hysteroscopy to investigate problems such as heavy periods abnormal bleeding or infertility. Some conditions of the uterus can be treated during hysteroscopy.
LLETZ: A LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone) is commonly used to treat abnormal cells found on the cervix. These cells are not cancer but may be pre-cancer. The ‘loop’ is thin hot wire (diathermy) loop which is used to lift away the abnormal cells from the surface of the cervix. A LLETZ procedure usually takes only 5-10 minutes and can be done in rooms under local anaesthetic or under a general anaesthetic in Newcastle Private Hospital. After a LLETZ, the cervix usually grows healthy normal skin where the abnormal cells have been.