What is the primary purpose of the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)?

The primary purpose of the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) is to remove precancerous cells from the cervix. LEEP is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a thin wire loop heated by electric current to excise abnormal cervical tissue that may develop into cervical cancer, particularly in cases where abnormal results are found on a Pap smear. The removal of these precancerous cells can effectively prevent the progression to cancer.

This procedure is specifically targeted at precancerous cervical lesions, allowing for both diagnostic evaluation and treatment in a single session, which makes it a valuable tool in cervical cancer prevention. Other procedures or diagnoses listed, like treating cervical cancer, performing a hysterectomy, or diagnosing ovarian cysts, do not align with the specific purpose and application of LEEP. Thus, the focus on precancerous conditions makes the correct identification of LEEP's primary purpose vital in understanding its role in women's health.