Cervical polyps Health Article

Definition

Cervical polyps are fingerlike growths on the lower part of the uterus that connects with the vagina (cervix).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of cervical polyps is not completely understood. They may occur with:

• An abnormal response to increased levels of the female hormone, estrogen
• Chronic inflammation
• Clogged blood vessels in the cervix

Cervical polyps are common, especially in women over age 20 who have had children. Polyps are rare in young women who have not started their period (menstruation).

Most women have only one polyp, but some women have two or three.

Symptoms

• Abnormally heavy periods (menorrhagia)
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • After douching
  • After intercourse
  • After menopause
  • Between periods
• White or yellow mucus (leukorrhea)

Polyps may not cause symptoms.

Signs and tests

During a pelvic examination, the health care provider will see smooth, red or purple, fingerlike growths on the cervix. A cervical biopsy will show cells that are mildly abnormal and signs of infection.

Treatment

The health care provider can remove polyps during a simple, outpatient procedure. Gentle twisting of a cervical polyp may remove it, but normally a polyp is taken out by tying a surgical string around the base and cutting it off. The polyp's base is removed with electrocautery or a laser.

Because many polyps are infected, you may have to take an antibiotic after the removal, even if there are no signs of infection. Although most cervical polyps are not cancerous (benign), the removed tissue should be sent to a laboratory and checked further.

Expectations (prognosis)

Typically, polyps are not cancerous (benign) and easy to remove. Polyps do not usually grow back.

Complications

Some cervical cancers may first appear as a polyp. Infections may occur after removal.