Cervical Polyps

Subject: Midwifery I (Theory)

Overview

Cervical polyps are tiny, elongated tumors that develop on the cervix near the opening to the vagina. Polyps are typically cherry-red to purple in appearance, or grayish-white. Cervical polyps are rarely malignant. Cervical polyps can be caused by chronic inflammation, infection, or a hormonal reaction to elevated amounts of the female hormone estrogen. Ectocervical polyps and Endocervical polyps are two types of cervical polyps. Ecto-cervical polyps form from the cervix's outer surface layer cells. Endocervical polyps from inside the cervical canal from the cervical glands. Doctors perform a simple surgery to remove cervical polyps. Twisting the polyp away from the base, putting a surgical string around the base of the polyp, and cutting it away are all methods for removing cervical polyps.

Cervical polyps are small, elongated tumors that develop on the cervix (the thin tube at the bottom of the uterus) where it connects to the vagina. Polyps are typically cherry-red to purple in appearance, or grayish-white. Cervical polyps are not generally malignant (benign).

Incidence

  1. It affects 4% of reproductive women.
  2. Women in their 40s and 50s who have more than one child are common.

Causes

  1. The precise cause is uncertain.
  2. It may occur as a result of chronic inflammation.
  3. Cervical blood arteries become clogged and congested.
  4. Infection
  5. Hormonal reaction to higher estrogen levels in women.

Types

  1. Ecto-cervical polyps
    Polyps of this sort develop from the cervix's outer surface layer cells. These are more common in women who have reached menopause.
  2. Endocervical polyps
    These polyps form inside the cervical canal from the cervical glands. It is the most common type of cervical polyp, and it occurs more frequently in premenopausal women.

Symptoms

  1. The infection causes a foul-smelling discharge.
  2. Bleeding between menstrual periods (inter-menstrual)
  3. Exceptionally strong menstrual bleeding.
  4. Douching or bleeding after intercourse (post-coital)
  5. Vaginal discharge that is white (leucorrhea)

Diagnosis

  1. Routine pelvic examination
  2. Pap test
  3. Biopsies

Treatment

Doctors perform a simple surgery to remove cervical polyps. There is no need for pain medication. Methods for removing cervical polyps include:

  1. Twisting the polyp away from the root
  2. Tying a surgical string around the polyp's base and cutting it away.
  3. To remove the polyp, use ring forceps.

Methods for destroying the polyp's base and preventing growth include:

  1. Liquid nitrogen
  2. Laser therapy
  3. Electrocautery ablation

References

  • HealthLine. 2005. 2017 http://www.healthline.com/health/cervical-polyps
  • Medline Plus. 05 January 2017 https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001494.htm
  • Web MD. 2005. 2017 http://www.webmd.com/women/tc/cervical-polyps-topic-overview
  • Tuitui R. 2002, A textbook of Midwifery A (Antenatal), 3rd edition, Vidyarthi Pustak Bhnadar (Publisher and Distributor), Bhotahity, Kathmandu
  • Saxton, D.F., 2001, Mosby’s comprehensive review of the nursing 17th edition, Mosby Yearbook, St. Louis-London, Philadelphia, Sydney.
Things to remember
  • Cervical polyps are small, elongated tumors that develop on the cervix (the thin tube at the bottom of the uterus) where it connects to the vagina.
  • Polyps are typically cherry-red to purple in appearance, or grayish white.
  • Cervical polyps are not generally malignant (benign).
  • The precise cause is uncertain.
  • Cervical polyps can be caused by chronic inflammation, infection, or a hormonal reaction to elevated amounts of the female hormone estrogen.
  • Ectocervical polyps and Endocervical polyps are two types of cervical polyps.
  • Ecto-cervical polyps form from the cervix's outer surface layer cells.
  • These are more common in women who have reached menopause.
  • Endocervical polyps from inside the cervical canal from the cervical glands. It is the most common type of cervical polyp, and it occurs more frequently in premenopausal women.
  • Doctors perform a simple surgery to remove cervical polyps. There is no need for pain medication.
  • Twisting the polyp away from the base, tying a surgical string around the base of the polyp and cutting it away, and using ring forceps to remove the polyp are all methods for removing cervical polyps.
  • Liquid nitrogen, laser therapy, and electrocautery ablation are methods used to eliminate the polyp's base and prevent growth.
Questions and Answers

Small, elongated tumors called cervical polyps develop on the cervix, a thin channel at the base of the uterus that leads into the vagina. Typically, polyps are cherry-red to purple in color or grayish white. Typically, cervical polyps are not malignant (benign).

Causes

The exact cause is unknown.

  • It could happen with:
    • Persistent inflammation
    • Vascular congestion and blockage in the cervix.
    • Infection
    • Hormonal reaction to higher estrogen levels in the body.

Types

Ecto-cervical Polyps

  • These particular polyps grow from the cervix's outer surface layer cells. Postmenopausal women are more likely to experience these.

Endocervical Polyps

  • These particular polyps develop inside the cervical canal from the cervical glands. Cervical polyps of this type are the most typical and are more prevalent in premenopausal women.

Symptoms

  • Infection-related discharge that smells bad
  • Bleeding intermittently (inter- menstrual)
  • Abnormally strong menstrual bleeding
  • Bleeding after sex (post-coital bleeding) or douching
  • White vaginal spotting (leucorrhea)

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