Cervical polyps are benign growths that look like little fingers or globules on stalks located in the cervix. Although polyps themselves are not harmful, since cancerous growths can resemble polyps, growths need to be removed for biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. These growths are usually identified by a gynecologist and can be removed during a routine pelvic exam.
The causes of polyps are not fully understood. They are more likely to develop in women who are menstruating, and women with at least one child are at higher risk. Inflammation or infection of the cervix has been cited as a possible cause, and polyps may also form in reaction to exposure to estrogen and other sex hormones. A woman may have a single polyp, or multiple growths, and they can range in color from white to bright red.
Sometimes there are no symptoms associated with cervical polyps and a patient may not be aware of the growths until she receives an exam for unrelated reasons. In other patients, the growths can lead to a foul-smelling discharge, abnormal bleeding, and painful intercourse. The growths will be easily visible on a pelvic exam, and a surgical instrument may be used to carefully remove them. Pain control may be provided to make the patient more comfortable while cervical growths are removed.
After removal, the growths can be inspected under a microscope to determine what types of cells are involved. True cervical polyps will contain benign cells and no additional treatment or follow-up is needed. The cancerous growths will have different types of cells and treatment may be recommended to remove the rest of the cancer, if any are left behind. Patients should also be aware that in about one percent of cases, cervical polyps can become cancerous, even though they start out benign.
When a gynecologist identifies tissue changes in or around the cervix and recommends a biopsy, patients may request more details about what types of growths are involved and the possible results of a biopsy. Doctors prefer to be safe than sorry, and even if the growths are probably cervical polyps, a biopsy will be recommended just in case. Patients with a history of cervical changes including abnormal Pap smear results or previous incidences of cervical polyps should ensure that their physicians are aware of this history, as this information may be relevant to diagnosis and treatment.