A cervical polyp is a small growth that appears in the lining of the cervical canal. Polyps are common in women who have had children, especially women between the ages of 40 and 60. Almost all polyps are benign, meaning they are unlikely to become cancerous or cause serious health problems. However, an especially large or irritated cervical polyp can cause abnormal vaginal discharge or heavy bleeding during menstruation. Once a gynecologist detects a polyp, the doctor may decide to remove it to avoid the possibility of infection.
A polyp usually emerges as a small red or purple bump along the cervical lining. It is considered a hyperplastic condition, meaning that otherwise healthy cells in the cervix multiply and grow faster than normal until they form a polyp. Doctors don't fully understand why polyps grow, but research suggests blood vessel blockages and inflammation from infections may play a role. The condition is also correlated with abnormally high levels of estrogen in the body.
Most women who have polyps have no physical symptoms, and the growths are not found until routine gynecological exams. A cervical polyp may cause heavy bleeding during a woman's period or abnormal spotting after intercourse or douching. If the cervical polyp becomes infected, it can lead to a condition called leukorrhea in which milky white or yellow mucus is discharged from the vagina. A person experiencing symptoms should schedule an appointment with her gynecologist so that she can receive a proper diagnosis.
A gynecologist can see a cervical polyp during a pelvic exam. The doctor may decide to remove a small piece of tissue from the polyp for laboratory analysis to make sure the growth is benign. Once tests confirm that the cervical polyp is not cancerous, the gynecologist can determine if it should be removed. Polyps that do not cause symptoms are usually left alone, but an especially large growth that causes bleeding may be removed.
In many cases, a gynecologist can remove a cervical polyp simply by rotating it. If twisting is not effective, the doctor usually chooses to tie a string around the base of the polyp to cut off the blood supply and cut off the growth with a scalpel. After removing the growth, the doctor may stitch or cauterize the base to stop bleeding and prevent infection. It is rare for a cervical polyp to return after successful surgery, but a treated woman should schedule regular check-ups with her gynecologist to maintain reproductive tract health.