Cervical polyps are fingerlike growths that start on the surface of the cervix or endocervical canal. These small, fragile growths hang from a stalk and push through the cervical opening.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The cause of cervical polyps is not completely understood. They may be associated with chronic inflammation, an abnormal response to increased levels of estrogen, or clogged cervical blood vessels.
Cervical polyps are relatively common, especially in women over age 20 who have had children. Only a single polyp is present in most cases, but sometimes two or three are found. They are rare in females who have not started menstruating.
A pelvic examination reveals smooth, red or purple, fingerlike projections from the cervical canal. A cervical biopsy typically reveals mildly atypical cells and signs of infection.
Review Date: 5/10/2006
Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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General Gynecology
