Cervical polyps are common, usually non-cancerous growths that develop on the cervix. These growths are typically soft, red or purple, and can vary in size, sometimes appearing on a thin stalk. While most cervical polyps are benign, their removal is a routine and straightforward medical procedure performed to alleviate potential symptoms and allow for laboratory analysis of the tissue.
Identifying Cervical Polyps
Cervical polyps often do not cause any noticeable symptoms and are frequently discovered incidentally during a pelvic examination or Pap smear. However, for some individuals, the presence of a polyp can lead to abnormal uterine bleeding or discharge. This bleeding may manifest as spotting between menstrual periods, heavier-than-usual menstrual flow, or bleeding after sexual intercourse.
A persistent, non-menstrual vaginal discharge, sometimes foul-smelling if infection is present, may also signal the presence of a polyp. Although the majority of these growths are benign, a physician will recommend removal to address these symptoms and, more importantly, to send the tissue for histopathological evaluation.
The Procedures for Removal
The removal of a cervical polyp is typically an in-office procedure that does not require general anesthesia. The patient is positioned on an examination table, similar to a routine gynecological exam, allowing the clinician clear access to the cervix. A speculum is gently inserted into the vagina to visualize the cervix and the protruding polyp.
The most common technique for small or stalked polyps is avulsion, which involves grasping the polyp at its base with specialized forceps and gently twisting or “torsing” it until it separates from the cervical wall. While some patients may feel a mild, period-like cramping or pressure sensation, the procedure is generally not considered painful.
For polyps that are larger or have a broader base of attachment, the physician may choose to use electrocautery or laser ablation. Electrocautery involves applying a heated wire loop to the base of the polyp to sever it and seal the blood vessels simultaneously, which helps to prevent excessive bleeding. In some cases, a local anesthetic may be injected into the cervix to numb the area before using these techniques. Immediately following removal, the excised tissue is placed in a specimen container.
Immediate Recovery and Follow-Up Care
After the polypectomy is complete, patients can typically return home immediately as the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. It is common to experience some mild cramping, similar to menstrual discomfort, for a few hours following the removal. This discomfort can usually be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
The most common physical expectation is light vaginal spotting or a watery discharge, which may persist for a few days up to a week, or sometimes longer if a heated wire technique was used. To allow the cervix to heal properly, physicians advise certain restrictions for a period of one to two weeks. Patients are typically instructed to refrain from using tampons, douching, and engaging in sexual intercourse to minimize the risk of infection and irritation at the removal site.
The definitive next step involves receiving the pathology results from the laboratory, which may take several weeks. If the results confirm the benign nature of the polyp, no further immediate action is required, and the patient simply resumes routine gynecological screening. Individuals should contact their healthcare provider if they experience signs of excessive bleeding, such as soaking more than one sanitary pad per hour, or if they develop a fever or severe, worsening pain, as these could indicate a rare complication like infection.