Cervical polyps are common, usually benign growths that appear on the cervix, the narrow canal connecting the uterus to the vagina. These growths are typically soft, fragile, and often found during a routine pelvic examination or Pap test. Since they are rarely cancerous, their presence is usually not a cause for concern. However, removal, known as a cervical polypectomy, is often recommended as a straightforward, safe, and quick outpatient procedure. This process prevents potential complications and ensures the tissue can be examined for any abnormal cells.
When Removal Becomes Necessary
The primary reasons for removing a cervical polyp relate to managing symptoms and completing a diagnostic evaluation. While many polyps are asymptomatic, others cause noticeable symptoms that prompt medical attention. The most common indication for removal is abnormal uterine bleeding, such as spotting between menstrual periods, heavier menstrual flow, or bleeding after sexual intercourse.
Bleeding can also occur in individuals who have gone through menopause, which always requires evaluation. Removing the polyp often alleviates these bleeding issues. Even if a polyp is not causing symptoms, it is routinely removed to perform a biopsy. This diagnostic step is necessary to rule out the rare possibility of precancerous or cancerous changes, though most polyps are confirmed to be benign upon laboratory analysis.
The Procedure: How Cervical Polyps Are Removed
The removal of a cervical polyp, or polypectomy, is performed in a healthcare provider’s office during a standard pelvic exam. The patient is positioned similarly to a Pap test, and a speculum is inserted into the vagina to visualize the cervix. This preparation is quick and necessary for the minor procedure.
For polyps that have a thin stalk, which is the most common presentation, the removal method is straightforward. The physician uses specialized polyp forceps to secure the base of the growth. The polyp is then gently detached by twisting or pulling it away from the cervical wall, a process that takes less than a minute. This technique is usually not painful, though some people may experience mild cramping similar to menstrual discomfort.
If the polyp has a broad base and no distinct stalk, a different technique is employed to ensure complete removal. The physician may use a local anesthetic injected into the cervix to numb the area. A heated wire loop is then used to carefully shave or burn the polyp off the surface of the cervix. Following removal, the physician addresses the attachment site to control minor bleeding. This is often done using chemical cautery, such as applying silver nitrate, or by a brief use of electrocautery to seal the small blood vessels at the base.
Recovery and Follow-Up Care
After the polypectomy is complete, the patient can resume normal daily activities immediately. Mild cramping is common in the hours following the procedure and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. The most noticeable immediate effect is light bleeding or watery discharge, which is a normal part of the healing process.
This discharge may be dark brown or black and can persist for up to one to two weeks, especially if the polyp was twisted off. If a heated loop was used for removal, the discharge may last longer, sometimes up to four weeks. To aid in healing and prevent infection, patients are advised to avoid using tampons, douching, or having sexual intercourse for one to two weeks, or until the discharge has fully stopped.
The removed polyp is immediately sent to a pathology lab for histological analysis. The results, confirming whether the growth was benign, are communicated to the patient within a few weeks. While complications are rare, individuals should contact their healthcare provider if they experience signs such as heavy bleeding that saturates a pad in an hour, severe pain not relieved by medication, or an offensive-smelling discharge, which could indicate infection.