How is a cervical polyp examined?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on June 02, 2025
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Cervical polyps in women can be detected through routine gynecological examinations, especially the smaller cervical polyps, which can be seen inside the cervical canal when the vagina is opened with a speculum. These small, blood-red protrusions resemble tongues and their stalks, generally located inside the cervical canal, are invisible. Therefore, other diagnostic methods, such as the commonly used color ultrasound, can also detect cervical polyps, but usually only when the polyps have reached a certain size in diameter that the ultrasound can differentiate them. Even with transvaginal ultrasound, the cervical polyps need to be large enough to be detected, so ultrasound should not be considered as the first choice for examination. Furthermore, another important diagnostic method is pathological examination. All surgically removed cervical polyps must undergo histopathological examination to rule out the possibility of malignancy.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 16sec home-news-image

Is it okay not to have surgery for cervical polyps?

When women have cervical polyps, surgical treatment is required regardless of the size of the polyps, and not undergoing surgery is not an option. Firstly, the texture of cervical polyps is relatively fragile, which can easily lead to bleeding upon contact, such as bleeding after intercourse. Some women with vaginal inflammation can infect the cervical polyps, leading to inflammatory secretions, such as purulent secretions or secretions containing blood. If cervical polyps are not surgically removed, they may continue to grow, and they have a characteristic of being multiple. For instance, the occurrence of multiple cervical polyps can also affect the normal menstrual cycle of women. Some women with cervical cancer or endometrial cancer can also present polyp-like growths, and from the appearance, it is not possible to distinguish whether the growths are malignant or benign. Therefore, generally, once cervical polyps are found, they should be surgically removed, and a histological examination should be performed after surgery to rule out the possibility of malignant changes.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Cervical polyp laser surgery effect

The surgery for cervical polyps is a common minor operation in the gynecological outpatient operating room. The treatment for cervical polyps can be conducted using laser methods or through traditional surgical removal. Currently, each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages. Laser surgery for cervical polyps is very effective, not only speeding up the operation time and reducing damage but also promoting a quicker recovery for patients. However, it is important to note that not all patients with cervical polyps are suitable for laser surgery. Patients with cervical polyps need a further evaluation in the gynecological clinic to determine if they are suitable for laser treatment.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
56sec home-news-image

Do cervical polyps easily become cancerous?

The majority of cervical polyps are formed due to chronic inflammation, and the chance of malignant transformation in cervical polyps is very rare, generally showing no tendency towards malignancy. It is common to remove cervical polyps and then perform a pathology test again. If the pathology results show no issues, usually there are no significant problems. If one wants to check for cervical cancer and its precursors, it is usual to visit a hospital for cervical cancer screening, which includes a TCT (ThinPrep Cytologic Test) and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) testing. These two tests can preliminarily screen for cervical cancer and precancerous conditions. The likelihood of cervical polyps becoming cancerous is low, and generally, polyp removal surgery can be done between three to seven days after menstruation ends when conditions are clean.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
55sec home-news-image

Can cervical polyps affect fertility?

It is generally found that cervical polyps do not affect fertility, only endometrial polyps beneath the mucous membrane affect fertility. If a simple cervical polyp is found, it can be removed through a polypectomy, and treating inflammation symptomatically after the surgery is usually sufficient. Cervical polyps generally do not affect fertility, but those located beneath the mucous membrane do because they can disrupt the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterine cavity by implanting at the site of the polyp, affecting embryonic blood circulation, which can lead to biochemical pregnancy or threatened miscarriage. Therefore, if endometrial polyps affect fertility, it is clear that cervical polyps do not. The treatment for cervical polyps is also quite simple and can generally be handled in the outpatient department of a hospital.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can cervical polyps fall off by themselves?

Whether cervical polyps will fall off on their own depends on the location and size of the cervical polyp and whether the base of the polyp is deep. If the cervical polyp is small and located at the external opening of the cervix, and the base of the polyp is shallow, there is a possibility that the polyp may fall off during physical activity, but this is rare. Especially when the cervical polyp is large, with a deep base, and located deep in the internal opening of the cervix, in this case, the cervical polyp will not fall off on its own, and surgery is required to remove it.