CERVICAL POLYPS

General Information

DEFINITION--Small, fragile, bulbous growths on stalks protruding through the cervix (lower third of the uterus) from the lining inside the uterus (endometrium). They may be single or numerous.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Endometrium (thin membrane lining the uterus); cervix (lower third of the uterus).

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Women of all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Unexpected spotting of blood between menstrual periods.
• Spotting of blood after sexual intercourse or bowel movements.
• Vaginal discharge.

CAUSES--Cervical polyps are caused by cervix inflammation from infection, erosion or ulceration. They frequently accompany chronic infections in the vagina or cervix, although they are not contagious. The small growths are usually benign, but in very rare cases, they represent early cancer of the cervix.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Diabetes mellitus.
• Recurrent vaginitis or cervicitis.

HOW TO PREVENT--

To prevent vaginal or cervix infections that can precede cervical polyps:

• Wear cotton underpants or pantyhose with a cotton crotch to prevent accumulation of excess heat and moisture, which can make you susceptible to vaginal and cervical infections.
• Avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases by having your sexual partner wear a condom during intercourse.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies, such as a Pap smear (See Glossary) and examination of the vaginal discharge.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis and treatment.
• Doctor's treatment and surgery to remove cervical polyps with a wire snare, electrocautery or liquid nitrogen. This can often be done in a simple office procedure. The cervix may be cauterized after removing the polyp to prevent regrowth of the same or another polyp.
• A polyp that accompanies cervicitis (inflammation or infection of the cervix) may require more extensive surgery. See Cervicitis in Illness section.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Bleeding and some mild pain with removal of the polyps.
• In very rare instances, cervical polyps may become malignant.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable with minor surgery. You may feel brief, mild pain during the procedure and have mild to moderate cramps for several hours. Spotting of blood from the vagina may occur for 1 or 2 days.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Don't douche unless your doctor recommends it.
• Use small sanitary pads to protect your clothing from creams or suppositories.

MEDICATION--Usually no medications are necessary for this disorder.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions. Delay sexual relations until your doctor performs a follow-up pelvic exam and determines that healing is complete.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of cervical polyps.
• The following occur after treatment: Discomfort persists longer than 1 week. Symptoms recur. Unexplained vaginal bleeding or swelling develops.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.