Cervical polyp

Cervical polyp
Classification and external resources
ICD-10	N84.1
ICD-9	219
DiseasesDB	2314
MedlinePlus	001494

A cervical polyp is a common benign polyp or tumour on the surface of the cervical canal.^[1] They can cause irregular menstrual bleeding but often show no symptoms. Treatment consists of simple removal of the polyp and prognosis is generally good. About 1% of cervical polyps will show neoplastic change which may lead to cancer. They are most common in post-menstrual, pre-menopausal women who have been pregnant.

Cause

The cause of cervical polyps is uncertain, but they are often associated with inflammation of the cervix.^[2] They may also occur as a result of raised levels of oestrogen or clogged cervical blood vessels.^[3]

Symptoms

Cervical polyps often show no symptoms.^[4] Where there are symptoms, they include intermenstrual bleeding, abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), vaginal bleeding in post-menopausal women, bleeding after sex and thick white vaginal or yellowish discharge (leukorrhoea).^[3][5][6][7]

Diagnosis

Cervical polyps can be seen during a pelvic examination as red or purple projections from the cervical canal.^[3] Diagnosis can be confirmed by a cervical biopsy which will reveal the nature of the cells present.^[3]

Treatment

Cervical polyps can be removed using ring forceps.^[8] They can also be removed by tying surgical string around the polyp and cutting it off.^[3] The remaining base of the polyp can then be removed using a laser or by cauterisation.^[3] If the polyp is infected, an antibiotic may be prescribed.^[3]

Prognosis

99% of cervical polyps will remain benign and 1% will at some point show neoplastic change.^[9] Cervical polyps are unlikely to regrow.^[3]

Risk factors and epidemiology

Cervical polyps are most common in women who have had children and perimenopausal women.^[4] They are rare in pre-menstrual women and uncommon in post-menopausal women.^[7]

Structure

Cervical polyps are finger-like growths, generally less than 1 cm in diameter.^[3][5] They are generally bright red in colour, with a spongy texture.^[4] They may be attached to the cervix by a stalk (pedunculated) and occasionally prolapse into the vagina where they can be mistaken for endometrial polyps or submucosal fibroids.^[5]

See also

• Endometrial polyp

References

1. ^ Boon, Mathilde E.; Albert J. H. Suurmeijer (1996). The Pap Smear. Taylor & Francis. pp. 87. ISBN 3718658577. http://books.google.com/?id=umcl4R3sp2AC&pg=PA87. 
2. ^ "Cervical Polyps" (PDF). Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals (NHS). http://www.dbh.nhs.uk/Library/Patient_Information_Leaflets/WPR22220-Cervical%20Polyps.pdf. Retrieved 2007-10-21. 
3. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i} Smith, Melanie N. (2006-05-10). "Cervical polyps". MEDLINE. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001494.htm. Retrieved 2007-11-05. 
4. ^ ^{a b c} Zuber, Thomas J.; E. J. Mayeaux (2004). Atlas of Primary Care Procedures. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 254–256. ISBN 0781739055. http://books.google.com/?id=_lmEDeRGHHMC. 
5. ^ ^{a b c} Bates, Jane (1997). Practical Gynaecological Ultrasound. Cambridge University Press. pp. 77. ISBN 1900151510. http://books.google.com/?id=oZ3RYlRAoxgC&pg=PA77. 
6. ^ Papadakis, Maxine A.; Stephen J. McPhee, Roni F. Zeiger (2005). Current Consult Medicine 2006. McGraw-Hill Professional. pp. 60. ISBN 0071458921. http://books.google.com/?id=bosWatnmpDgC&pg=PA60. 
7. ^ ^{a b} Bosze, Peter; David M. Luesley (2004). Eagc Course Book on Colposcopy. Informa Health Care. pp. 66. ISBN 9630073560. http://books.google.com/?id=bg6FxsY1xTUC&pg=PA66. 
8. ^ Moore, Anne (2001-09-20). "How Should I Treat Postcoital Bleeding in a Premenopausal Patient?". Medscape.com. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/412468. Retrieved 2007-10-21. 
9. ^ Tillman, Elizabeth. "Short Instructor Materials" (PDF). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:7uWWuX7sq-4J:www.cdc.gov/DES/hcp/resources/materials/clinician_short_inst.pdf+%22cervical+polyp%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=9&gl=uk. Retrieved 2007-10-21.