Signs and symptoms

BENIGN TUMOURS OF THE CERVIX

A benign tumour is a non-cancerous growth that does not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body and is not usually life-threatening.

Cervical polyp

Cervical polyps are red, finger-like growths that grow in the endocervical canal (passageway from the uterus to the vagina). They may protrude into the vagina. They occur most often in women 20 years of age and older. Polyps are rare in young women who have not started their period. Most polyps are benign, but some have the potential to become cancerous (malignant).

Risk factors

The following risk factors may increase a woman's chance of developing a cervical polyp.

- ongoing (chronic) infection of the cervix;

- chronic inflammation of the cervix;

- increased levels of estrogen;

- pregnancy

Signs and symptoms

Most cervical polyps don’t cause symptoms. The signs and symptoms of a cervical polyp include:

- abnormal vaginal bleeding;

- spotting or blood-stained discharge from the vagina between periods;

- unusually long or heavy periods;

- bleeding after sexual intercourse;

- bleeding after douching;

- bleeding from the vagina after menopause;

- yellow or white mucus discharge from the vagina.

Diagnosis

If the signs and symptoms of a cervical polyp are present, or if the doctor suspects a cervical polyp, tests will be done to make a diagnosis. Tests may include:

- pelvic examination;

- colposcopy and biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment options for a cervical polyp may include removal of the polyp during pelvic examination. Polyps usually do not need to be removed unless they are very large, bleed or have an unusual appearance. Removal of a polyp can be done by:

- gently twisting the polyp;

- tying the polyp tightly at the base with a special string to cut off the blood supply;

- using special forceps;

- applying heat (electrocautery) or a laser to the base of the polyp

Antibiotics may be given if a cervical polyp is infected.

Nabothian cyst

A nabothian cyst occurs on the surface of the cervix. It is a cyst filled with mucus. Cells that line the endocervix produce mucus. Sometimes the squamous cells that are normally found on the ectocervix start to grow over the mucus-producing cells of the endocervix. This traps the mucus inside the endocervix. As more mucus is produced, it builds up and forms a smooth, round lump.

Risk factors

There are no known risk factors for nabothian cysts.

Signs and symptoms

Nabothian cysts do not cause any signs or symptoms. They are usually found during a routine pelvic examination.

Diagnosis

If the doctor suspects a nabothian cyst, tests may be done to make a diagnosis. Tests may include:

- pelvic examination;

- colposcopy;

- biopsy.

Treatment

Usually no treatment is necessary for a nabothian cyst since it typically does not cause problems. Nabothian cysts will not go away on their own. Surgery is rarely necessary, but if it is needed a nabothian cyst may be removed by:

- heat (electrocautery);

- laser surgery

Cervical fibroid (leiomyoma)

Cervical fibroids start in the muscle tissue of the cervix. They are similar to the more common fibroids of the uterus. They are usually small and typically measure 0.5–1 cm in size. Cervical fibroids occur most commonly in women of 30 years and older but can affect women of any age.

Risk factors

There are no known risk factors for cervical fibroids.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-13