Cervical polyp

A cervical polyp is a common benign polyp or tumour on the surface of the cervical canal.[2] They can cause irregular menstrual bleeding but often show no symptoms. Treatment consists of simple removal of the polyp and prognosis is generally good. About 1% of cervical polyps will show neoplastic change which may lead to cancer. They are most common in post-menarche, pre-menopausal women who have been pregnant.

Cervical polyp
Cervical polyp on ultrasound
SpecialtyGynecology
Histopathology of endocervical polyp: With endocervical epithelium and glands (mucinous columnar linings), edematous stroma and clear congestion. H&E stain.[1]

Signs and symptoms

Cervical polyps often show no symptoms.[3] Where there are symptoms, they include intermenstrual bleeding, abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), vaginal bleeding in post-menopausal women, bleeding after sex and thick white vaginal or yellowish discharge (leukorrhoea).[4][5][6][7]

Cause

The cause of cervical polyps is uncertain, but they are often associated with inflammation of the cervix.[8] They may also occur as a result of raised levels of estrogen or clogged cervical blood vessels.[4]

Diagnosis

Cervical polyps can be seen during a pelvic examination as red or purple projections from the cervical canal.[4] Diagnosis can be confirmed by a cervical biopsy which will reveal the nature of the cells present.[4]

Structure

Cervical polyps are finger-like growths, generally less than 1 cm in diameter.[4][5] They are generally bright red in colour, with a spongy texture.[3] They may be attached to the cervix by a stalk (pedunculated) and occasionally prolapse into the vagina where they can be mistaken for endometrial polyps or submucosal fibroids.[5]

Treatment

Cervical polyps can be removed using ring forceps.[9] They can also be removed by tying surgical string around the polyp and cutting it off.[4] The remaining base of the polyp can then be removed using a laser or by cauterisation.[4] If the polyp is infected, an antibiotic may be prescribed.[4]

Prognosis

99% of cervical polyps will remain benign and 1% will at some point show neoplastic change.[10] Cervical polyps are unlikely to regrow.[4]

Epidemiology

Cervical polyps are most common in women who have had children and perimenopausal women.[3] They are rare in pre-menstrual girls and uncommon in post-menopausal women.[7]

See also

References
  1. Anissa Ben Amor. (2022). "Cervical Ectropion". StatPearls, National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMID 32809544. Last Update: November 14, 2021.
    - This book is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
  2. Boon, Mathilde E.; Albert J. H. Suurmeijer (1996). The Pap Smear. Taylor & Francis. p. 87. ISBN 3-7186-5857-7.
  3. Zuber, Thomas J.; E. J. Mayeaux (2004). Atlas of Primary Care Procedures. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 254–256. ISBN 0-7817-3905-5.
  4. Smith, Melanie N. (2006-05-10). "Cervical polyps". MEDLINE. Retrieved 2007-11-05.
  5. Bates, Jane (1997). Practical Gynaecological Ultrasound. Cambridge University Press. p. 77. ISBN 1-900151-51-0.
  6. Papadakis, Maxine A.; Stephen J. McPhee; Roni F. Zeiger (2005). Current Consult Medicine 2006. McGraw-Hill Professional. p. 60. ISBN 0-07-145892-1.
  7. Bosze, Peter; David M. Luesley (2004). Eagc Course Book on Colposcopy. Informa Health Care. p. 66. ISBN 963-00-7356-0.
  8. "Cervical Polyps" (PDF). Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals (NHS). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-02-07. Retrieved 2007-10-21.
  9. Moore, Anne (2001-09-20). "How Should I Treat Postcoital Bleeding in a Premenopausal Patient?". Medscape.com. Retrieved 2007-10-21.
  10. Tillman, Elizabeth. "Short Instructor Materials" (PDF). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Archived from the original on 2006-04-23. Retrieved 2007-10-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
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