Cervical polyp


Can cervical polyps be distinguished by the naked eye?
Most people who suffer from cervical polyps can initially detect them through a naked-eye observation. Generally, during a gynecological examination, when a speculum is used to open the vagina, a fresh red, tongue-like growth that looks like a protrusion can be seen at the cervical opening. This is likely a cervical polyp. However, by visual observation alone, it's only possible to recognize it as a polyp, without distinguishing whether it's caused by inflammatory stimulation, or if it’s due to cellular changes such as cervical cancer or endometrial cancer. Because malignant changes can also appear similar to ordinary cervical polyps, it's necessary to surgically remove the polyp when detected and conduct a pathological examination to determine whether it is a benign or malignant lesion.


Cervical polyps surgery in a few days
Cervical polyps are generally caused by chronic inflammation of the cervix. Most patients with cervical polyps do not have obvious clinical symptoms, but a few may experience abnormal vaginal discharge with an unusual odor or yellowing, bleeding after intercourse, or bloody secretions in the discharge. Most cervical polyps are benign and treatment is relatively simple. Treatments include cervical polyp removal surgery and electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). The polyps removed during surgery must undergo pathological examination to determine their benign or malignant nature. Generally, the surgery is performed within 3 to 7 days after the end of menstruation.


Can cervical polyps be seen with the naked eye?
Cervical polyps are a common condition in gynecological clinics, and most cervical polyps can be seen with the naked eye. These tissues are visible red polyp-like tissues. However, it is important to note that if the polyps are located deep within the cervix, they may not be detectable by the naked eye. There is also a special situation where patients undergo a gynecological examination to check for cervical polyps during non-menstrual periods. However, as menstruation occurs, the cervical polyps may not be visible during several gynecological examinations. This might be due to the influence of menstruation, causing the cervical polyps to retract into the cervix, thus, remaining out of sight.


Cervical polyp etiology?
The causes of cervical polyps are mostly due to chronic inflammation of the cervix, which stimulates the local hyperplasia of the cervical tissue. They appear as polypoid hyperplasias in the cervical canal or at the cervical opening. The main symptoms include an increase in vaginal discharge or bleeding after sexual intercourse. During a gynecological examination, polyp-like tissues can be seen at the cervical opening. Cervical polyps are relatively easy to treat. They can be removed using radiofrequency or laser. After removal, the base of the polyp is cauterized using these physical therapy methods to generally prevent recurrence.


Can you have sexual intercourse with cervical polyps?
In general, if cervical polyps in women are relatively small, they tend to grow slowly and do not present any clinical symptoms. In such cases, sexual intercourse can be considered normal. However, as the size of the cervical polyps increases, because they are soft and fragile, they can easily bleed when touched. For example, during intercourse, contact with the surface of the cervical polyp might cause bleeding. In such instances, it is best to seek treatment first, possibly start with anti-inflammatory treatment, remove the cervical polyp, and consider normal intercourse after recovery.


Are uterine polyps the same as cervical polyps?
Firstly, endometrial polyps are caused by localized excessive growth of the endometrium. Endometrial polyps can be multiple or single. Polyps consist of endometrial glands, stroma, or blood vessels, and are closely related to an excessively high distribution of estrogen levels. Furthermore, long-term use of hormonal medications and health supplements can lead to the development of endometrial polyps. Once endometrial polyps occur, it is advised to undergo a hysteroscopic examination at a hospital within three to seven days after the end of menstruation, and if necessary, proceed with hysteroscopic polypectomy surgery of the cervical endometrium. Cervical polyps are caused by inflammation of the cervix, resulting from localized polypoid hyperplasia of the cervix. Once cervical polyps are detected, further cervical cancer screening is needed. If the cervical cancer screening shows no abnormalities, cervical polypectomy should be performed, followed by a pathological examination after the surgery.


The difference between benign and malignant cervical polyps
Cervical polyps are a relatively common cervical disease in clinical practice, generally caused by chronic inflammation of the cervix. Most patients with cervical polyps do not have obvious clinical symptoms, but a small number of patients may experience bleeding after intercourse, or have vaginal discharge with blood, a foul odor, or a yellowish color. Most cervical polyps are benign, and the treatment is generally simple, involving surgical removal of the polyp or treatment with a LEEP procedure. To determine whether a removed polyp is benign or malignant, a pathological examination is necessary.


What causes cervical polyps?
Cervical polyps are a type of benign lesion, mainly caused by chronic inflammation of the cervix, which stimulates hyperplasia in the glandular connective tissue of the cervix. They contain inflammatory cells, such as leukocytes and neutrophils, and are relatively soft and fragile. Touching them can easily lead to bleeding, which is why some women experience bleeding after intercourse. Polyps do not contain muscle fiber cells, and after bleeding, they cannot contract and are not very effective at stopping the bleeding. In very rare cases, women may have endometrial cancer or cervical cancer that presents as polyp-like growths, which are considered malignant lesions.


Can cervical polyps be detected by ultrasound?
Cervical polyps are generally detected through gynecological examinations and colposcopies, but are usually not visible on ultrasound. Endometrial polyps can be detected via ultrasound if there is uneven echogenicity and thickening of the endometrium, which can indicate the presence of uterine endometrial polyps. Most cervical polyps are identified during a gynecological exam, where polyp-like growths on the cervix are found and can also be seen through a colposcope. Once cervical polyps are discovered, it is advisable to surgically remove them as early as possible, and the removed tissue should be sent for pathological examination. The majority of these polyps are benign, with only a very few showing tendencies of malignancy. Therefore, patients with cervical polyps should actively seek appropriate treatment. Cervical polyps are not detected on ultrasound, but submucosal polyps can be.


What should I do if the cervical polyp has a thick base?
If the base of the cervical polyp is relatively thick, alternative physical treatments can be chosen instead of simple excision surgery, such as electrosurgical excision procedures or laser treatments. However, some laser treatments might not easily control bleeding. If there is significant bleeding, various electrocoagulation methods can be used to stop the bleeding. If the base of the cervical polyp is closer to the inside of the cervical canal, hysteroscopic surgery can also be considered. Using a hysteroscope to locate the precise base of the polyp while managing hemostasis can be very effective.