Cervical Polyp Treatment Overview

When to see a healthcare provider

It is important to see a healthcare provider for cervical polyps because they typically need to be removed. While the polyps are usually benign (not cancerous), about 1% of cervical polyps can show cancerous changes. In addition, some rare types of cancers can look like polyps, so your provider will want to confirm that the polyps are not dangerous.

Symptoms of a cervical polyp include:

• Bleeding between menstrual periods
• Heavier-than-normal bleeding during menstrual periods
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• A pus-like white or yellow vaginal discharge that may be thick and foul-smelling.

But in many cases, cervical polyps don’t cause symptoms. They are often discovered by a routine cervical exam or pap smear test.

Getting diagnosed

Cervical polyps are diagnosed during a pelvic exam or pap test. Usually, a tissue sample from the polyps is taken to check for cancer and precancerous cells.

What to expect from your doctor visit

• Most polyps need to be removed, especially those that are large, atypical, or cause symptoms.
• If the polyp has a long, slim stalk (pendicle) attached to it, your doctor will likely remove it by grasping the base of the polyp with a pair of forceps and gently twisting and rotating it until it detaches. This is an in-office procedure.
• If a polyp is large or has a thick stalk, you may need to have it removed at a hospital or surgery center. A surgeon can take it out via loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). After administering local or general anesthesia, the surgeon uses a heated wire loop to burn the polyp.

Types of cervical polyp providers

• An ob-gyn, who specializes in the treatment of the female reproductive system, can diagnose and treat cervical polyps.
• A surgeon may be needed to remove larger polyps.