Cervical polyps are fingerlike growths on the lower part of the uterus that connects with the vagina (cervix).
The cause of cervical polyps is not completely understood. They may occur with:
Cervical polyps are common, especially in women over age 20 who have had children. Polyps are rare in young women who have not started their period (menstruation).
Most women have only one polyp, but some women have two or three.
Polyps may not cause symptoms.
During a pelvic examination, the health care provider will see smooth, red or purple, fingerlike growths on the cervix. A cervical biopsy will most often show cells that are consistent with a benign polyp. Rarely there may be abnormal, precancerous, or cancer cells in a polyp.
The health care provider can remove polyps during a simple, outpatient procedure. Gentle twisting of a cervical polyp may remove it. Larger polyps may require removal with electrocautery.
Although most cervical polyps are not cancerous (benign), the removed tissue should be sent to a laboratory and checked further.
Typically, polyps are not cancerous (benign) and easy to remove. Polyps do not usually grow back. Women who have polyps are at right of growing more polyps.
Some cervical cancers may first appear as a polyp. There may be bleeding and slight cramping for a few days after removal of a polyp.
Call for an appointment if you have:
Call your health care appointment to schedule regular gynecological exams and to determine how often you should receive a Pap smear .
See your health care provider to treat infections as soon as possible.