Cervical Polyps

What Is It?

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, a tubelike channel that opens into the inside of the uterus, or uterine cavity. The other end of the cervix is located inside the vagina, at the far end of the vaginal canal. Cervical polyps are growths that usually come from the cervical-canal opening in the vagina. The polyps are usually cherry-red to reddish-purple or grayish-white. They vary in size and often look like bulbs on thin stems. Cervical polyps are usually benign (not cancerous) and can occur alone or in groups. Most polyps are small, about 1 centimeter to 2 centimeters long. Because rare types of cancerous conditions can look like polyps, all polyps should be removed and examined for signs of cancer. The cause of cervical polyps is not well understood, but they are associated with inflammation of the cervix. They also may result from an abnormal response to the female hormone estrogen or develop from a small area of prominent cervical blood vessels.

Cervical polyps are relatively common, especially in women older than 20 who have had at least one child. They are rare in girls who have not started menstruating. Cervical polyps can develop from the outer surface layer cells of the cervix. These are known as ectocervical polyps. Ectocervical polyps are more common in postmenopausal women. Cervical polyps that develop from cervical glands inside the canal are known as endocervical polyps. Most cervical polyps are endocervical polyps, more common in premenopausal women who have had at least one child.

Symptoms

Cervical polyps may not cause any symptoms. However, you may experience:

• Discharge, which can be foul-smelling if there is an infection
• Bleeding between periods
• Heavier bleeding during periods
• Bleeding after intercourse

Sometimes, cervical polyps can cause problems with fertility.

Diagnosis

If you have a cervical polyp, you usually won't be able to feel it or see it yourself. Cervical polyps are discovered during a routine pelvic exam or evaluation for bleeding or while getting a Pap test.

Expected Duration

A polyp sometimes will be shed on its own during sexual intercourse or menstruation. However, most polyps need to be removed because they tend to grow indefinitely.

Prevention

Regular visits to your doctor for an annual Pap test and pelvic exam are important because a direct examination is the best way to identify cervical polyps.