| Cervical polyp | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Cervical polyp on ultrasound | |
| Specialty | Gynecology |
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.
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
-
^ 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 - ^ Boon, Mathilde E.; Albert J. H. Suurmeijer (1996). The Pap Smear. Taylor & Francis. p. 87. ISBN 3-7186-5857-7.
- ^ a b c Zuber, Thomas J.; E. J. Mayeaux (2004). Atlas of Primary Care Procedures. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 254–256. ISBN 0-7817-3905-5.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Smith, Melanie N. (2006-05-10). "Cervical polyps". MEDLINE. Retrieved 2007-11-05.
- ^ a b c Bates, Jane (1997). Practical Gynaecological Ultrasound. Cambridge University Press. p. 77. ISBN 1-900151-51-0.
- ^ Papadakis, Maxine A.; Stephen J. McPhee; Roni F. Zeiger (2005). Current Consult Medicine 2006. McGraw-Hill Professional. p. 60. ISBN 0-07-145892-1.
- ^ a b Bosze, Peter; David M. Luesley (2004). Eagc Course Book on Colposcopy. Informa Health Care. p. 66. ISBN 963-00-7356-0.
- ^ "Cervical Polyps" (PDF). Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals ( NHS). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-02-07. Retrieved 2007-10-21.
- ^ Moore, Anne (2001-09-20). "How Should I Treat Postcoital Bleeding in a Premenopausal Patient?". Medscape.com. Retrieved 2007-10-21.
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^ Tillman, Elizabeth.
"Short Instructor Materials" (PDF).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Archived from the original on 2006-04-23. Retrieved 2007-10-21.
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