Can cervical polyps be detected by ultrasound?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on June 08, 2025
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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.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Cervical polyps how many months grow bigger

Cervical polyps generally are not very large, typically only a few centimeters at most, and do not become noticeably bigger. Polyps tend to grow very slowly and usually do not become very large. If cervical polyps are found, they can be detected through a vaginal exam and colposcopy at a hospital. Polyps do not change much over a short period, so it is best to address them as soon as they are discovered. If it is not possible to deal with them immediately, they generally will not change much over a few months. The tissue removed can be examined pathologically; most polyps are benign and usually are not a significant issue.

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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 Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does cervical polyp surgery require anesthesia?

Cervical polyp removal surgery generally does not require anesthesia, partly because the stalk of the cervical polyp is usually quite thin, making it easy to cut off during removal. Another reason is that the nerve distribution in the cervical area is not as rich, so the cervical tissues are less sensitive to pain compared to other areas. Therefore, the cervical polyp removal surgery does not cause significant pulling reactions on the cervix, which is why general anesthesia is generally not needed.

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Written by Gan Hai Ying
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How long does it take to recover from cervical polyp removal surgery?

Cervical polyp removal varies depending on the size and location of the polyp. Recovery also varies accordingly. For small external cervical polyps, routine polypectomy is commonly performed, allowing patients to recover shortly after surgery, generally without any discomfort within two to three days. However, for larger cervical polyps, especially endocervical polyps that require removal, the surgery must be completed under hysteroscopic electrocautery. Recovery from this type of surgery generally takes about a week. Regardless of the type, regular follow-up exams are necessary after removing cervical polyps to rule out the possibility of recurrence.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do cervical polyps differentiate between benign and malignant?

Under normal circumstances, cervical polyps are considered benign hyperplastic lesions of the cervix, possibly related to the body's hormone levels or caused by inflammatory stimulation resulting in inflammatory polyps. However, sometimes malignancies of the endometrium or cervix can also present as polyp-like growths. It is usually impossible to distinguish benign from malignant lesions just by visual inspection. Therefore, whenever cervical polyps are found, it is common practice to perform a surgical removal of the cervical polyp and then conduct a histopathological examination to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions.