Cervical polyp

Last revised by Mina Sameh Rizk on 22 Jul 2023

Cervical polyps are polypoid growths projecting into the cervical canal. They can be one of the most common causes of intermenstrual vaginal bleeding. 

Most patients are perimenopausal at the time of presentation, especially in the 5th decade of life. They are the most common mass lesion of the cervix, with a reported prevalence of 1.5-10% 

More than half of cases are asymptomatic. Symptoms can include menorrhagia, postmenopausal bleeding, contact bleeding, and vaginal discharge. The diagnosis is made primarily with hysteroscopy.

Histologically, cervical polypoid lesions encompass a spectrum of pathologic entities which include endocervical or endometrial tissue with metaplasia.

The polyps are usually pedunculated, often with a slender pedicle of varying length, but some can be sessile.

Approximately 25% of patients may also have a co-existing endometrial polyp 2.

  • sessile or pedunculated well-circumscribed masses within the endocervical canal

  • may be hypoechoic or echogenic 

  • identifying the stalk attaching to the cervical wall helps differentiate it from an endometrial polyp

Can progress into carcinoma of the cervix in ~0.1% of cases.

Surgical removal is often the treatment of choice although some suggest initial monitoring for small polyps 7. Recurrence is rare.

For a polypoid lesion within the cervical canal consider:

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