Do cervical polyps recur?

Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on May 14, 2025
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Cervical polyps are polypoid tissues that result from the hyperplasia of cervical glands and protrude towards the cervix's opening. These polyps are caused by chronic cervical inflammation. Therefore, if a cervical polyp is removed and the cervical inflammation still exists, the polyps might recur. Thus, after the removal of cervical polyps, it is crucial to actively treat the cervical inflammation or remove the cervical polyps and cauterize the base of the polyps using radiofrequency or cryotherapy methods. Generally, these approaches do not lead to recurrence, and it is important to actively treat chronic cervical inflammation.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do cervical polyps require surgery?

Under normal circumstances, cervical polyp surgery is required. The purpose of the surgery is firstly to completely remove the cervical polyp tissue, and secondly, the removed polyp tissue can be sent for pathological examination to further confirm the diagnosis and determine the potential malignancy of the cervical polyps. If the patient's cervical polyp is relatively small, it is recommended that the patient undergo other methods of surgical removal of the polyp, such as laser or cryotherapy physical treatment methods.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
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What to eat after cervical polyp surgery

Cervical polyp surgery is a common minor procedure in gynecological clinics. The surgical process for cervical polyps is relatively simple and has a minor impact on the patient’s body post-operatively. Generally, there are no special dietary requirements after cervical polyp surgery, and patients can resume a normal diet. However, it is important for patients to avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods shortly after the surgery to prevent gastrointestinal issues like bloating and diarrhea, which could affect the recovery from the cervical polyp surgery.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is a cervical polyp examined?

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 Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is cervical polyp surgery performed?

Cervical polyp removal surgery is a very common minor procedure in gynecology. This surgery involves minimal trauma, short operation time, and quick postoperative recovery. Generally, we conduct this surgery in the minor operation room of the gynecological outpatient clinic, and it does not require hospitalization; patients can go home right after the removal. During the procedure, we can use a biopsy forceps or a small curved forceps to directly clamp the pedicle of the polyp and remove it. Ideally, the procedure should be done under a colposcope. When using a colposcope, applying acetic acid or Lugol's solution helps in observing the appearance of the cervical polyp, facilitating differentiation from other conditions, such as Nabothian cysts which can easily be confused with cervical polyps.