Cervical Polyps

The passage that connects uterus to the vagina is known as cervix. Growths develop on this canal – they are known as polyps. They are gray, purple or reddish in color. The size of cervical polyp can vary from a few millimeters to a few centimeters long. Sometimes, they can grow and become very large to cause problems.

They are mostly non-cancerous (benign), but malignant polyps can also develop in rare cases – especially after menopause.

Cervical polyps can occur singly or in pairs – and are lobular, tear-shape or with a stalk and bulb.

How common are cervical polyps?

They are very common in women in their reproductive period. They can occur in women age above 20 years, but not in prepubertal girls.

Types of Polyps

Depending on the origin, they are of two types: ectocervical and endocervical polyps:

Ectocervical polyps – common in menopausal or postmenopausal women. They emerge from the outer layer of the cervix within ectocervix.

Endocervical polyps – Common in premenopausal women. They arise from the endocervix.

What causes cervical polyps?

The exact cause of cervical polyps is unknown, but experts give some theoretical explanations regarding their growth. Some experts believe that due to the congestion of cervical blood vessels, the blood flow to the cervix disrupts leading to the development of polyps.

Others opine that chronic inflammation or infection of the cervix can lead to their development. In some cases, a long-term use of some chemical-based products can irritate the cervical tissue and may lead to abnormal changes in the cervical tissue.

What are the risk factors for cervical polyps?

The following are some of the risk factors of cervical polyps:

• A family history of polyps
• Previous personal history of uterine growths
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Premenopausal women
• Menopause

What are the symptoms of cervical polyps?

Almost two-third of women do not experience any symptoms. Therefore, the finding of polyps is mostly incidental. Gynecologists often detect cervical polyps during their routine Pap tests or other procedures – such as abdominal ultrasounds or transvaginal ultrasounds. The symptoms associated with uterine polyps if present, may include:

• Stinky vaginal discharge
• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after menopause
• Bleeding after sex
• Heavy menstrual bleeding or periods

Diagnosis

Cervical polyps are typically discovered by chance during routine gynecological exams, colposcopies, or transvaginal or abdominal ultrasounds.

During a speculum examination, a polyp-like growth can be seen within the cervix.

Gynecologists commonly identify a polyp during a speculum examination. Additional diagnostic procedures are often unnecessary to confirm the presence of a cervical polyp. Your gynecologist removes the polyp and sends it to a laboratory for analysis.

If polyps are suspected, further diagnostic tests may be conducted, such as a colposcopy or a biopsy. During a colposcopy, a magnifying instrument called a colposcope is used to examine the cervix more closely. If necessary, a small tissue sample may be taken for biopsy to rule out any abnormal or cancerous cells.

Your gynecologist may order an ultrasound, in some cases to assess the surrounding area of the cervical polyp. A biopsy of the cervical tissue is performed to determine if the polyp is cancerous. However, it is uncommon for a cervical polyp to be malignant or cancerous.

Approximately two-thirds of women with cervical polyps do not experience any symptoms. However, women who do have symptoms often present with abnormal uterine bleeding, bleeding after menopause – such as heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods. They may also experience vaginal discharge.

In rare cases, large polyps can obstruct the cervical canal, leading to difficulties in achieving pregnancy.

Learn about the “Treatment of Cervical Polyps”