Is cervical polyp serious?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on January 22, 2025
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Cervical polyps are not serious, and the majority of them are caused by chronic cervical inflammation. Cervical polyps can generally be removed in an outpatient setting at a hospital, and the removed polyp should be sent for pathology. The vast majority of these polyps are benign, with only a very small minority having the potential to become malignant. Therefore, having cervical polyps is generally not a serious issue. The polyps can be removed and appropriate anti-inflammatory treatment can be administered thereafter. Most cervical polyps are not problematic. If there is any concern, one can also undergo cervical cancer screening, which generally involves a TCT (ThinPrep Cytologic Test) and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) virus testing. These tests help identify the presence of cervical cancer and its precursors. If the cervical cancer screening shows no issues, and it's simply a case of cervical canal polyps, it is not serious, and removal can be performed in an outpatient setting in the hospital.

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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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Can cervical polyps heal themselves?

Cervical polyps can sometimes heal on their own. If the cervical polyp is small or has a thin stalk, there is a possibility that it might become necrotic and fall off, but this scenario is relatively rare. Most cervical polyps require surgical treatment. However, the surgery for cervical polyps is relatively simple; the stalk of the polyp can be destroyed using laser or radiofrequency, causing it to fall off. Additionally, if cervical polyps are not treated, they might cause irregular vaginal bleeding, and there is a possibility of malignant transformation, although the rate of malignancy is quite low.

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Symptoms of cervical polyps

Most women with cervical polyps may not show any clinical symptoms. When the size or number of polyps increases, resulting in an enlarged surface area of columnar epithelium, the amount of secretion may increase, manifesting as thick and abundant vaginal discharge. When an infection coincides, the discharge can appear purulent. Due to the fragile texture of the polyp’s surface, it can easily bleed when touched, which is why some women might experience vaginal bleeding during gynecological examinations or after intercourse. In some women, cervical polyps are a manifestation of cervical cancer, which can then lead to uncontrollable vaginal bleeding and foul-smelling vaginal discharge. If it progresses to a late stage, signs of metastasis, such as cancer spreading to the bladder causing hematuria, may occur.

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How many days will it take to recover from the removal of a cervical polyp?

The removal of cervical polyps is a minor surgery that is short in duration and causes minimal damage. After the surgery, the patient may experience a small amount of vaginal bleeding, but the bleeding is minor and short-lived. Generally, recovery from cervical polyp removal surgery takes about three to five days. However, it is important to note that if the patient has concurrent conditions such as cervicitis or vaginitis, these inflammatory conditions can cause poor healing of the surgical site of the cervical polyp. Therefore, if a patient experiences recurrent vaginal bleeding after the surgery, it is recommended to consult a local hospital for a follow-up.

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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.