Why does it appear
A polyp forms when a section of the cervical canal mucosa begins to grow and forms a growth on a stalk or broad base. The size ranges from a few millimeters to 2–3 centimeters.
There is no clear single reason. Most often, several factors are combined: prolonged inflammation in the cervix, hormonal imbalance with a predominance of estrogen, mechanical damage to the cervix during childbirth, abortion, and installation of an intrauterine device.
- Chronic cervicitis and other chronic inflammations
- Hormonal disorders, including those caused by fibroids and endometriosis
- Injuries to the cervix during childbirth, curettage, abortion
- Age over 40 years and perimenopause
- History of sexually transmitted infections
How it manifests itself
Small polyps often do not cause any symptoms and are discovered by chance during examination. When complaints do appear, they are quite typical.
- Spotting between periods
- Contact bleeding - after sexual intercourse, douching, gynecological examination
- Copious mucous discharge, sometimes mixed with blood
- Heavier and longer periods
- Nagging pain in the lower abdomen with a large polyp
Diagnostics
- Осмотр в зеркалах — полип, выступающий of цервикального канала, виден сразу.
- Кольпоскопия — осмотр шейки под увеличением, оценка структуры и сосудистого рисунка.
- УЗИ органов малого таза — оценка эндометрия и исключение полипов полости матки.
- Мазок на онкоцитологию и обследование на инфекции.
- Гистологическое исследование удалённого полипа — окончательный этап диагностики.
Often a cervical polyp is combined with an endometrial polyp, so if one is detected, the uterine cavity is also checked. This affects the scope of the intervention: sometimes removal of a cervical polyp is combined with hysteroscopy.
Treatment: remove or observe
The standard approach is removal. The polyp does not resolve, cannot be treated with pills or suppositories, and most often increases over time. Observation is permissible only for very small asymptomatic polyps and according to the doctor’s decision.
The removal itself is a short procedure, which in most cases is performed on an outpatient basis. The polyp is removed along with the stem, the bed is processed, and the material is sent for histology. With a wide base or location deep in the canal, removal is supplemented by curettage of the cervical canal under control.
- Outpatient polyp removal - with a small formation on a thin stalk
- Resection of a polyp with anesthesia - for a large polyp or a wide base
- Curettage of the cervical canal with histology - to control the bed
- Simultaneous hysteroresectoscopy - if there is also an endometrial polyp
- Treatment of concomitant inflammation and correction of hormonal disorders - prevention of relapse
After removal
Recovery usually takes several days. Scanty bloody discharge is possible for 7–10 days. During this period, sexual rest, avoidance of tampons, douching, baths and heavy physical activity are recommended.
Relapses occur, especially if chronic inflammation or hormonal imbalances persist. Therefore, after removal, it is important to further treat the underlying conditions and come for a follow-up examination.
