Cervical polyps and the risk of malignancy

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Tran Thi Mai Huong - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Cervical polyps are usually caused by chronic inflammation or infection of the cervix. Most cervical polyps are benign (not cancerous). But women need to take measures to prevent cervical polyps to protect their health.

1. What are cervical polyps?

Cervical polyps appear to be common in women, with about 2-5% of women with cervical polyps, especially women over 20 years old, who have given birth to two or more children. This condition is rarely seen in girls who have not yet menstruated.
Cervical polyps are growths of tissue that protrude from the cervix - the junction between the uterus and the vagina. These masses are pale red, burgundy or light gray in color and are finger-, onion-, or petio-shaped. Cervical polyps are benign tumors that develop from the cervical stroma and are covered with epithelium, arising from the cervical canal, with or without legs.
Approximately 1% of cases have a malignant transformation. The main cause of cervical polyps is chronic inflammation or infection of the cervix. The size of these tissues can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters, that is, the size of a grain of rice, or it can be very large (diameter can be more than 10cm).
Mostly, when there are abnormal signs and symptoms in the private area, women will worry because this is a very sensitive location, affecting reproductive health, polyp is such a pathology. Therefore, when there are any abnormal signs, it should be detected and treated promptly, otherwise it will seriously affect your ability to conceive.

2. Causes and symptoms of cervical polyps

Because cervical polyps have not been studied in depth, the cause of the disease is not clear, but infection can be considered as one of the main causes. In addition, the following factors can also be mentioned:
Chronic inflammation Abnormal response to estrogen hormone levels Obstruction of blood vessels near the cervix Cervical infection In fact, cervical polyps are difficult to detect. present because it does not cause specific symptoms. About two-thirds of cervical polyps have no symptoms. The disease can only be detected by a patient with a Pap test or other procedure.
Some tumors may bleed more during menstruation or after sex. Others may become infected, causing the vagina to secrete a white discharge that looks like pus. The tumor is usually pinkish-red in color and less than 1 cm in diameter. Some postmenopausal patients continue to experience bleeding. Or vaginal discharge may have a foul odor due to an infection.

3. Is cervical polyp dangerous?

Most cervical polyps are benign, but in many cases, it can be dangerous and lead to many other diseases, specifically:
For small polyps, it can prevent sperm from reaching an egg. Large polyps cause cervical obstruction, blocking the cervix, endangering women's health. Polyps not only affect a woman's normal life, but also reduce reproductive health and the ability to conceive. Affects the quality of sex life because the symptoms of cervical polyps such as excessive discharge, vaginal bleeding... can cause anxiety during intercourse, this will also reduce arousal . 1% of polyps can progress to cancer because it can develop from different locations of the uterus if not detected and treated early.

4. Prevention of cervical polyps

Cervical polyps have no cure. For early detection and early treatment of these polyps, women should have regular gynecological examinations and Pap smear tests. Besides, please clean the genitals carefully and cleanly, properly to limit infection.
In order to help customers detect and treat other gynecological diseases early, Vinmec International Hospital has a basic gynecological examination and screening package, helping customers detect early inflammatory diseases Easy, inexpensive treatment. Screening detects gynecological cancer early (cervical cancer) even when there are no symptoms.
Basic gynecological examination and screening package for female customers, has no age limit and may have the following symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding Having menstrual problems: irregular menstrual cycle, irregular menstrual cycle Irregular vaginal discharge (smell, different color) Vaginal pain and itching Female clients have several risk factors such as poor personal hygiene, Unsafe sex, abortion,... Female customers have other symptoms such as: Abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, pain in the private area, abnormal vaginal bleeding. If you have unusual symptoms, you should be examined and consulted with a specialist.

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