Overview
Cervical polyps are fingerlike growths on the lower part of the uterus that connects with the vagina ( cervix ). Cervical polyps are small fingerlike growths originating from the mucosal surface of the cervix. The small fragile growths hang from a stalk and protrude through the cervical opening.
What Are the Symptoms?
About two out of three women who have cervical polyps don’t have symptoms. Doctors normally find these growths during a Pap test or other procedure. If you do have symptoms, they may include:
1.Periods that are heavier than usual
2.Bleeding after sex
3.Bleeding after menopause
4.Bleeding between periods
5.Vaginal discharge, which may stink due to infection
How are cervical polyps treated?
It is recommended that cervical polyps be removed. This is usually a simple painless process and can be done in GP clinics.
If your polyp is small, it can often be removed by your doctor.
1.To remove it, the polyp is gently twisted using an instrument called polyp forceps until the polyp tissue comes away from your cervix and is removed. Your polyp will then be sent to the lab for examination.
2.After removal of your polyp, there may be light bleeding and slight cramping for a few days.
3.You will need to have an examination and smear test 3 months after the polyp has been removed, even if your last smear test was normal.
4.This is because the polyp blocks access to the cervical cells and the smear result may be a false negative, and to check that the polyp has been completely removed.
5.Polyps can grow again so see your doctor if your symptoms return.
6.If you still have abnormal vaginal bleeding after removal of a polyp, other tests may be done to find out the causes.
If a polyp is larger than 2 cm, has a large base or is otherwise difficult for your doctor to remove, you are likely to be referred to a gynaecology specialist for assessment and treatment.
Causes
Doctors aren’t sure, but think they may be linked to:
1.Cervical infections
2.Chronic inflammation
3.An abnormal response to the hormone estrogen
4.Clogged blood vessels near the cervix
Types of cervical polyps:
1.Ectocervical polyps: Polyps that develop on the outermost layer of your cervix.
2.Endocervical polyps: Polyps that grow in your cervical canal. These are more common.
What does a cervical polyp look like?
Most polyps are elongated, tear-shaped growths that stick out from your cervix. They’re smooth or slightly spongy in texture and bright red, pinkish to purple or greyish-white. Some polyps have a long, thin stalk (called a pedicle) attached to them. They’re usually less than a half-inch long but can grow larger. They can bleed when you touch them.
How are they diagnosed?
A cervical polyp is usually diagnosed during a pelvic exam or Pap test. Your healthcare provider will be able to see a polyp once they insert a speculum into your vagina. A speculum is a device that opens the walls of your vagina to better see your cervix.
What happens if I am pregnant?
Cervical polyps are uncommon during pregnancy. They’re usually small and don’t cause symptoms. Some healthcare providers will recommend removing a cervical polyp during pregnancy, but others will advise against it because it could disrupt your cervix. If you develop a polyp while pregnant, your provider may or may not remove the polyp. It depends on your condition, the size of the polyp and its location.
Why is it important to remove a cervical polyp?
1.Removing the polyp will ease symptoms such as bleeding after intercourse or bleeding between your menstrual periods.
2.If not removed, a polyp may continue to grow.
3.In a small number of women (between 2 and 15 in every 1000), the polyp may become abnormal and develop into cancer.
What happens if I have a polyp on my cervix?
Polyps are almost always benign (noncancerous). Cervical polyps may be caused by chronic inflammation or infection. Usually, cervical polyps do not cause any symptoms, but they may cause bleeding or a puslike discharge. Doctors can usually diagnose cervical polyps during a pelvic examination.
Do cervical polyps cause smell?
It is possible for someone to develop cervical polyps and not experience any symptoms. Others will notice symptoms, which may include: vaginal discharge that may be foul-smelling if an infection is present. a heavier flow during periods.
Comments
Post a Comment