Is surgery necessary for cervical polyps?

Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Cervical polyps are a clinical manifestation of chronic cervicitis. Polyps can originate from the lips of the cervix or within the cervical canal, and generally vary in size. They are usually connected to the cervix by a small stalk. Cervical polyps rarely become malignant, with a very low chance of malignancy. However, if left untreated, the polyp can gradually increase in size, causing bleeding during intercourse, and even bleeding without contact. Additionally, there is the risk of malignancy, so once detected, it is recommended to remove them and definitely send them for pathological examination to rule out any possibility of malignancy.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can cervical polyps recur?

Cervical polyps are highly prone to recurrence. Often after removal, polyps can repeatedly grow back. Possible causes may be related to persistent inflammatory stimulation, hormonal imbalances such as excessively high levels of estrogen, and infections from pathogens. Mainly, infections from pathogens might occur through invasive procedures or external factors such as childbirth in women. Therefore, if the inflammation persists, individual differences in physical constitution with continuously high levels of estrogen, and the invasion of external pathogens can all contribute to the recurrent occurrence of cervical polyps.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Why is cervical polyp prone to recurrence?

Cervical polyps are a type of benign lesion of the cervix. However, recurrent episodes are common after cervical polyp removal surgery. This may be due to inflammation that causes the polyps; if the inflammation, such as vaginitis or cervicitis, is not fully cleared after surgery, it can stimulate the regrowth of cervical polyps. Additionally, in some women, the base of the cervical polyp may be deep, and if it is not completely removed during surgery, recurrence may occur. Furthermore, in some cases, the polyp itself may undergo malignant transformation, leading to potential recurrence after the surgery.

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Written by Tao Zhong E
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can you get pregnant with cervical polyps?

Cervical polyps generally form when a local area of cervical mucosa is stimulated by inflammation, leading to localized proliferation and the emergence of a solid tumor mass, which protrudes as a pedunculated lesion of varying sizes, from as small as a grain of rice to even three to four centimeters in length. However, it is usually possible to consider pregnancy after removal of the polyp, typically two weeks later, or after the next menstrual period, as it does not affect the ability to conceive. Moreover, it is generally advisable to remove the polyps upon discovery, since if not removed, they may cause recurring bleeding during pregnancy, which can complicate the monitoring of the pregnancy. However, cervical polyps are usually benign, with a low likelihood of being malignant. Thus, whether cervical polyps are detected through symptoms or during a physical examination, it is generally recommended to remove them first before considering pregnancy, although cervical polyps themselves do not impact fertility.

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Written by Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to treat cervical polyp cysts?

If a gynecological examination determines cervical polyps or cervical cysts, then local removal of the polyps and surgical clearance of the cysts will suffice. Both conditions are common gynecological diseases. Since the surgeries are simple and relatively low risk, most can be performed in an outpatient setting. If the patient's condition is more unusual, hospitalization for surgery may be safer. Specific approaches need to be tailored to the patient's individual circumstances in collaboration with the treating physician to achieve good therapeutic outcomes. Both cervical polyps and cervical cysts are manifestations of inflammatory diseases and are benign, so patients need not be overly anxious.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is cervical polyp not very serious?

In most cases, cervical polyps in women are benign lesions of the cervix caused by chronic inflammation. If the polyp is small, typically the clinical symptoms are not severe, or there may even be no symptoms at all. Some women might experience a small amount of vaginal bleeding or blood-streaked discharge after intercourse or a gynecological examination. When the size of the cervical polyp increases, the clinical manifestations can be more severe, such as bloody discharge or bleeding after intercourse. In very rare cases, regardless of the size, cervical polyps may be cancerous. In such cases, it is necessary to remove them promptly and perform a histopathological examination to determine whether the lesion is benign or malignant.