Cervical polyps are small, elongated tumors that grow on the cervix.

The cervix is the narrow

canal at the bottom of the uterus that extends into the vagina.
Polyps are fragile structures that grow from stalks rooted on the surface of the cervix or
inside the cervical canal. There is usually only one polyp presentor at most, two or three.
Cervical polyps occur in about four percent of women of reproductive age. They are most
common in women in their 40s and 50s who have had more than one child. Polyps almost
never occur in young women prior to the start of menstruation. Polyps are also common
during pregnancy. This may be caused by an increase in the hormone estrogen.
Cervical polyps are usually benign (not cancerous), and cervical cancer is rare. Cancer of the
cervix occurs in only one percent of women of reproductive ageabout 12,000 new cases
per year, according to the American Cancer Society.
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Part 2 of 6: Symptoms

Symptoms of Cervical Polyps

Polyps on the cervix may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, if any of the
following symptoms occur, see your gynecologist right away:

vaginal discharge of white or yellow mucus (leucorrhea)

vaginal spotting or bleeding:
o

after sexual intercourse (post coital)

between periods (inter-menstrual)

after douching

after menopause (postmenopausal)

abnormally heavy periods (menorrhagia)

Some of these symptoms can also be signs of cancer. In rare cases, polyps represent an early
phase of cervical cancer. Removing them helps reduce this risk.
Ask your doctor how often you should get regular pelvic examinations and pap tests.
Recommendations can vary with a patients age and health history.
Part 3 of 6: Possible Causes

Why Polyps Occur

It is not fully understood why cervical polyps occur. Their formation may be linked to:

increased levels of estrogen (female sex hormone)

chronic inflammation in the cervix, vagina, or uterus

clogged blood vessels

High Estrogen Levels

Estrogen levels naturally fluctuate throughout a womans life. The most common times are
during menstrual cycles, pregnancies, and in the months leading up to menopause. For
example, estrogen levels can reach 100 times the normal range during pregnancy.
Man-made chemicals that mimic estrogen are present everywhere in our environment today.
For example, xenoestrogens are found in commercially produced meats and dairy products.
Chemical estrogens can also be released into food that is heated in Styrofoam or plastic
containers. Even some air fresheners contain phthalates, another estrogen-like chemical.

Inflammation
An inflamed cervix appears red, irritated, or eroded. Some of the known causes of cervical
inflammation include:

bacterial infection
condyloma cuminata virus (warts)

human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

herpes

yeast infections

pregnancy, miscarriage, or abortion

hormonal changes

HPV infection is also a known cause of cervical cancer. Regular pelvic exams and pap tests
(also called pap smears) are an important precaution for women of any age. The pap test is
done by scraping a small amount of tissue from the cervix, which is sent to a laboratory. The
test checks for infection and abnormal cells.
Part 4 of 6: Testing and Diagnosis

How Cervical Polyps Are Diagnosed

Polyps are easy to see in a routine pelvic examination. The doctor will see smooth, finger-like
growths on the cervix that appear red or purple in color. Polyps usually protrude out from the
cervical canal.
Biopsies (tissue samples) of the polyps are taken and sent to a laboratory for testing. Results
usually show benign polyp cells. In rare cases, there may be abnormal cells or neoplastic
changes (precancerous patterns of growth).

Part 5 of 6: Treatment

Treatment of Cervical Polyps

Removing cervical polyps is a simple procedure that is done in the doctors office. No pain
medication is needed. There are several ways to remove cervical polyps, including:

twisting the polyp off at the base

tying surgical string around the base of the polyp and cutting it away

using ring forceps to remove the polyp

Methods used to destroy the base of the polyp, and prevent regrowth, include:

liquid nitrogen
electrocautery ablation (uses an electrically heated needle)

laser surgery

You may feel a brief, mild pain during removal and mild to moderate cramps for a few hours
after. Spotting of blood from the vagina may occur for one or two days after removal.
Part 6 of 6: Recovery and Prevention

Recovery and Prevention

Polyp removal is a simple, safe, and noninvasive procedure. However, if you have ever had
polyps, you are at higher risk of developing them again. Getting regular pelvic examinations
ensures finding any growths early in their development.
Since some infections are linked to cervical polyps, a few simple steps may help reduce your
risk. Wear cotton underwear that allows good air circulation. This prevents excess heat and
moisture, which is the perfect environment for infections. Also, have your partner use a
condom during intercourse.
Be sure to get regular pelvic examinations and pap tests.