Cervical polyps are growths (generally benign) upon the cervix.
- polyps are excised and sent for histology
- they can cause of bleeding from the vagina, for example after coitus, during pregnancy and after menopause
- in about 27% of cases there is an associated endometrial polyp - this incidence is lower in women taking the oral contraceptive pill (8%) and much higher in postmenopausal women (57%). Therefore further investigation (ultrasound and/or hysteroscopy), particularly in postmenopausal women presenting with a cervical polyp is indicated
The risk of dysplasia or malignancy in cervical polyps is estimated to be 0.0–1.7%, so conservative management may be appropriate in asymptomatic women (2)
Reference:
- Tanos V, Berry KE, Seikkula J, Raad EA, Stavroulis A, Sleiman Z, et al. The management of polyps in female reproductive organs. Int J Surg 2017;43:7–16.
- MacKenzie IZ, Naish C, Rees CM, Manek S. Why remove all cervical polyps and examine them histologically? BJOG 2009;116:1127–9.