the chances of cervical polyps becoming cancerous

Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on June 01, 2025
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Cervical polyps rarely become malignant; they are a form of chronic cervicitis. Cervical polyps originate from the glandular bodies and stroma of the cervical canal, appearing as localized hyperplasia that protrudes outwards from the cervical os, typically either singly or in multiple occurrences. Some individuals may experience bleeding after sexual intercourse and discover cervical polyps upon timely medical examination. Once cervical polyps are detected, preoperative cancer screening of the cervix is necessary, including testing for human papillomavirus infections and liquid-based cytology of the cervix. If there are no pathological changes, it is appropriate to promptly perform electrosurgical removal of the cervical polyp, followed by further pathological examinations post-surgery. Generally, it is advised to avoid getting cold and to maintain cleanliness of the external genitalia.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do cervical polyps recur?

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 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.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should you pay attention to after the removal of a cervical polyp?

After undergoing cervical polyp removal surgery, women should first pay attention to the cleanliness of the perineum. It is advisable to abstain from sexual activity, tub baths, and swimming for a month to avoid causing infection of the surgical site. Additionally, it is important to observe the condition of vaginal discharge, such as the amount of vaginal bleeding, its duration, and whether there are any abnormal secretions. One month after the cervical polyp removal surgery, it is necessary to visit the hospital for a follow-up to check the healing of the surgical site. Since cervical polyps can recur easily, further check-ups should be conducted within six months to a year to monitor if there are any signs of recurrence of the cervical polyps.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do cervical polyps affect menstruation?

Cervical polyps do not affect menstruation because cervical polyps are just localized inflammatory changes in the cervix, resulting from chronic inflammation that causes localized hyperplasia and the formation of polyps. They do not affect the endocrine system, nor do they affect the endometrium, so they do not affect menstruation. However, cervical polyps may also cause bleeding problems, such as contact bleeding or irregular bleeding following an infection, but this is different from menstrual bleeding. Therefore, in cases of vaginal bleeding, routine examinations are necessary to check for bleeding on the cervical surface and to see if there are issues like cervical polyps, and to examine for conditions such as uterine inflammation, etc.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Best time for cervical polyp surgery

The best time for cervical polyp surgery is within three to seven days after the end of menstruation, when the cervical canal polyp removal surgery should be performed. After the surgery, the removed tissue must be re-examined pathologically, as most polyps are benign, but a very small number may have malignant tendencies. Therefore, it is essential to perform another pathological examination after the cervical polyp removal surgery. After surgery, oral anti-inflammatory medication should be taken for symptomatic treatment, and sexual intercourse should be avoided for a month. Topical medications can also be used for symptomatic treatment. Since most cervical polyps are caused by chronic inflammation, postoperative anti-inflammatory or topical medications can be used for symptomatic treatment to prevent the recurrence of polyps. After the removal of a cervical canal polyp, it is crucial to have a follow-up check every six months to a year, as polyps are prone to recurrence.