Description

• Pedunculated masses, usually single, varying in size that protrude from the cervix, usually originating from the endocervical but can be seen in the ectocervical canal. Cervical polyps may bleed.
• System(s) affected: reproductive
• Bright red to pink and appear spongy

Geriatric Considerations
Rare

Pediatric Considerations
Rare

Pregnancy Considerations
Delay removal of polyps until postpartum unless bleeding or cervical dilation is found.

Epidemiology

• Predominant age: 40 to 60 years
• Predominant sex: female only
• 2–5% of females (1)

Incidence

• Common
• The incidence of malignant change in a cervical polyp is estimated to be <1%. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of malignancy, although adenocarcinomas have been reported. Endometrial cancer may involve the polyp secondarily. Sarcoma rarely develops within a polyp (2).

Etiology and Pathophysiology

Hyperplastic proliferation of cervical or endometrial cells

• Unknown for most cases
• Secondary reaction to cervical inflammatory or hormonal stimulation or localized vascular congestion of cervical blood vessels (1)
• Rare incidence of dysplasia or malignancy

Risk Factors

Trauma, inflammation, pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels, surgical procedure

General Prevention

None known

Commonly Associated Conditions

There is a possibility of coexisting endometrial polyps.