Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD Patient Handout

CERVICAL POLYPS


About Your Diagnosis

Cervical polyps are growths of tissue that usually start growing from inside the cervical canal (the entrance into the uterus). It is felt that cervical polyps grow because of inflammation. Cervical polyps are very common. Almost all cervical polyps are benign (not cancerous). Often polyps are found at the time of a routine gynecologic examination (when the Pap smear is being performed). Sometimes polyps can cause spotting. Polyps do not cause any pain. Polyps are easily removed in the office.

Living With Your Diagnosis
Many polyps do not cause symptoms. Therefore, they are often discovered at the time of a routine gynecologic examination when a Pap smear is taken. Sometimes a polyp will be diagnosed because it has caused abnormal spotting or bleeding after intercourse. Polyps do not cause any pain or discomfort.

Treatment
Cervical polyps are easily removed in the office. No anesthesia or pain medication is necessary. The polyp is simply grasped and twisted gently off or taken off with a biopsy instrument. The procedure only takes a few minutes and usually is painless; occasionally, it may cause mild cramping. The polyp is sent to the pathology laboratory for examination to make sure there is no sign of cancer or any type of precancerous abnormality.

The DOs
• Do keep your appointment with your health care provider to have the polyp removed. Even though the vast majority of polyps are benign (noncancerous), cancerous polyps do occur rarely.
• You can continue your usual activities. Most of the time strenuous activities can be continued as usual, unless you notice that it causes bleeding or spotting.

The DON’Ts
• If you have experienced bleeding after intercourse and a polyp has been diagnosed, you may want to avoid intercourse to avoid further bleeding.

When to Call Your Doctor
• If you have vaginal bleeding after menopause or between periods.
• If you have pain in the pelvic area.
• If you have bleeding after intercourse.
• If you have prolonged or unusually heavy menstrual periods.