Cervical polyps are small, irregular growths on the surface of the cervix or in the cervical canal. A cervical polyp is rarely malignant. However, some polyps can turn into precancerous growths. Several types of cervical polyps are known: Ectocervical polyps. These are polyps that develop on the outermost layer of the cervix. Endocervical polyps. They, in turn, grow in the cervical canal and are more common. Approximately 2% to 5% of women develop cervical polyps. They are most common shortly after the reproductive years and in women who have had more than one child. Cervical polyps are almost always benign. Malignant (cancerous) polyps are more common in postmenopausal women. In most cases, cervical polyps are asymptomatic and are detected during regular gynecological examinations. But a small number of cases proceed with a clinical manifestation, it includes: Heavy menstruation (menorrhagia). Bleeding after sex. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, between periods or after menopause. White or yellowish vaginal discharge that has a foul smell or is similar to pus. Most polyps are elongated, teardrop-shaped growths that protrude from the cervix. They are smooth or slightly spongy in texture and bright red, pink to purple, or gray-white. Some polyps have a long, thin stalk (called a foot) attached to them. They can bleed if hit. Cervical polyps can be caused by chronic inflammation of the cervix or sexually transmitted, fungal or bacterial infections. Treatment of polyps is surgical. If there is a leg, the procedure for removing the cervical polyp can be performed in the gynecologist’s office. The procedure is usually painless. Using an instrument, the polyp is grasped at the base of the leg and carefully removed with rotating movements. For polyps located on a wide base, polypectomy is performed under local or general anesthesia. The procedure is short and does not require a hospital stay. References: 1. Alkilani YG, Apodaca-Ramos I. Cervical Polyps. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562185/) 2020 Sep 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2. Centers for Disease Control. Cervical Cancer. (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/index.htm) 3. MacKenzie IZ, Naish C, Rees CM, Manek S. Why remove all cervical polyps and examine them histologically? (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19515151/) BJOG. 2009 Jul;116(8):1127-9. 4. Merck Manuals. Polyps of the Cervix. (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/miscellaneous-gynecologic-abnormalities/polyps-of-the-cervix)