Как проявляется полип эндометрия в матке: на что обратить внимание

Как образовывается полип эндометрия в матке? Эндометриальный полип в матке — новообразование, расположенное на слизистой оболочке матки. Это состояние довольно распространено и встречается у более десяти процентов женского населения. Полипы могут прикрепляться к матке при помощи большого плоского основания или крепиться на тонкой длинной ножке. Разновидности на ножке встречаются более часто, чем фиксированные полипы. Размер эндометриального полипа может существенно отличаться по величине и от нескольких миллиметров разрастаться до сантиметровых величин.

Полипы, расположенные на ножке, разрастаясь, способны выходить через шейку из матки и занять часть влагалищного пространства.

Полипы эндометрия имеют одиночное или множественное расположение, округлую или же близкую к овалу форму и красновато коричневый цвет, однако, нередко встречаются крупные образования, имеющие красную окраску с темным оттенком. Образуются полипы из плотных мышечных волокон эндометриального слоя, пронизанного мельчайшими сосудами и из пространств схожих с железами и покрытых эпителием.

Полипоз

Состояние, при котором образования в матке носят доброкачественный характер и формируются во множественном количестве называют полипозом эндометрия. Подобное нарушение в формировании слоя эндометрия возможно у каждой женщины в возрасте от 18 до 45 лет с наличием менструального цикла, хотя чаще всего образование полипоза происходит в зрелом возрасте.

Полипы эндометрия различают по формам, зависящих способа их построения:

• железистая форма, образованная из железистой ткани;
• железисто-фиброзного строения, образующейся из железы и соединительных тканей;
• фиброзного строения, образованные исключительно из одних соединительных тканей;
• адематозные — полипы состоящие из железистой ткани, но имеющие признаки злокачественного перерождения на клеточном уровне.

У молодой женщины наиболее часто образовываются полипы железистой формы, а у пожилых полип имеет фиброзную и адематозную природу. Полипы железистого строения способны выявляться у женщин любых возрастов, независимо от наличия менструального цикла.

Причины вызывающие образование полипоза

Полипоз эндометрия возникает по разным причинам. Наиболее часто это заболевание возникает в результате следующих нарушений, происходящих в организме женщины:

• скачки уровня гормонов с избыточным образованием эстрогенов и содержанием прогестеронов ниже принятой нормы;
• прерывание беременности искусственным путем по различным причинам, выкидыши или послеродовые осложнения, произошедшие по причине не до конца удаленной плаценты. Полипы в подобной ситуации образуются из сгустка крови оставшейся в полости матки, способные преобразовываться в соединительную ткань;
• травмы слизистой оболочки матки, являющиеся результатом вмешательства в орган или долгого нахождения внутриматочной спирали;
• нарушения в эндокринной системе, выраженные болезнями щитовидной железы, сахарным диабетом, образование излишней массы тела и гипертонией;
• психо — эмоциональное состояние негативного характера, образованное длительными стрессовыми ситуациями;
• снижение защитных сил организма;
• хронические заболевания внутренних половых органов.

Симптомы при образовании полипов эндометрия

Причины образования полипов эндометрия сегодня окончательно не выяснены, но по предположению, их образование является результатом изменений соотношения гормонов. Как правило, полипы не выказывают явных симптомов своего возникновения, особенно на начальной стадии развития, когда они не достигли крупных размеров, но на некоторые проявления нарушений, произошедших в организме женщины в результате образования полипа все-таки можно обратить внимание.

В первую очередь показателем разрастания полипов эндометрия служит нарушения менструального цикла, выражающиеся сильными продолжительными кровотечениями, болезненностью в районе расположения внутренних половых органов и возникновением частого единичного кровотечения при наступлении менопаузы. В ситуациях, когда полип значительного размера выступает в полость влагалища через шеечный канал, при менструациях могут ощущаться сильные боли. Полип эндометрия обладает симптоматикой, схожей с проявлениями миомы матки или эндометриоза, а возникшее межменструальное кровотечение во время беременности возможно посчитать угрозой выкидыша.

При возникновении ситуации с подобными признаками необходимо немедленно обратиться к специалисту, чтобы дать оценку патологического отклонения. Особенно это касается беременных женщин, так как при несвоевременно оказанной медицинской помощи существует большая вероятность потерять беременность.

Диагностика полипов эндометрия

В данное время у женщины несложно провести диагностику полипов эндометрия с помощи современной аппаратуры. Их можно визуально обнаружить при разрастании по цервикальному шеечному каналу, когда в просвете наружного зева матки виднеются розовые новообразования. В других ситуациях для диагностики наличия полипов эндометрия применяются дополнительные обследования матки и яичников.

Это может быть вагинальное ультразвуковое исследование внутренних органов или метод гистероскопии с применением выскабливания слизистой оболочки матки. В результате проводимых процедур возможно возникновение определенных трудностей, так при чрезмерно утолщенной слизистой оболочки матки — гиперпластии, возможно возникновение сложности при применении УЗИ, а полипы крупного размера, особенно единичные, можно пропустить во время выскабливания.

Первоначальное обследование женщин с подозрением на наличие полипов эндометрия начинают с УЗИ, второй этап включает в себя применение метода гистероскопии. При подобном обследовании специальная оптическая система, вводимая в матку, позволяет повсеместное обнаружение полипов, располагающихся в труднодоступных местах. Методика позволяет наряду с обследованием, провести одновременное удаление полипа эндометрия под визуальным контролем, что позволяет предупредить развитие осложнений и кровотечений, возможных после проведенной операции вслепую.

Возможные осложнения и прогнозы

Полипы эндометрия, в своем большинстве, имеют доброкачественную природу происхождения и не представляют большой опасности для здоровья женщины. Хотя существуют исключения, при которых определенное количество из них содержат клетки аденокарциномы и злокачественные показатели. Полипы эндометрия способны оказывать негативное влияние на проведение ЭКО вызывая угрозу выкидыша.

Располагаясь рядом с маточными трубами, они препятствуют наступлению беременности. Проводимое лечение при помощи медицинских препаратов и с использованием гистероскопии способно облегчить течение болезни, но после этого часто остается опасность осложнения в виде их повторного возникновения.

Существует вероятность того, что полипы, не достигшие больших размеров, могут самостоятельно регрессировать без применения лечебных методов. Положительному влиянию на подавление заболевания и на ограничение роста полипа эндометрия, способствует прием медицинского препарата Тамоксифен, назначаемого гинекологом.

Предупреждение возникновения полипа эндометрия

Наибольшему риску возникновения полипов подвергаются женщины, достигшие определенного возрастного порога, у молодых данное новообразование в матке встречается довольно редко. Можно постараться избежать возникновения данного заболевания, для этого необходимо придерживаться некоторых рекомендаций:

1. Следить за массой тела и не допускать значительного превышения показателей, соответствующих норме.
2. Регулярное посещение гинеколога с целью контроля за изменениями, происходящими во внутренних органах.
3. Своевременно принятые лечебные мероприятия при возникновении воспалительных процессов в матке и придатках.
4. Грамотные способы предупреждения нежелательной беременности и недопущение абортов.
5. Применение гормональных контрацептивов только после обследования у гинеколога и по его рекомендации.
6. Контроль за течением менструального цикла и обращению к специалисту при его нарушениях.

Лечебные методы

Очевидность наличия заболевания становится явной только в случае крупных или полипозных новообразований. Мелкие полипы чаще всего обнаруживаются случайно при проведении гинекологических осмотров. Поэтом таким актуальным остается вопрос о периодических посещениях гинеколога с целью профилактического осмотра. При выявлении патологий в половых органах женщина должна не откладывая приступать к лечению.

Начальный этап лечебных мероприятий заключается в диагностическом обследовании, результатом которого считается определение количественных и качественных характеристик новообразований эндометрия. Только на основании достоверных результатов гинекологом определяется дальнейшее лечение пациентки и препараты, которые будут применяться во время этого лечения.

Вторым важным этапом является очистка органа от полипов. Делается это путем выскабливания матки. Данная операция для женщины проходит безболезненно, после проведенного удаления полипа проводят прижигание с целью предупреждения возможного возникновения эндометрита, который может возникнуть в результате повреждения эндометрия.

Заключительный этап включает в себя лечение терапевтическими препаратами. Для этого используют гормональные гестагенные препараты, прием которых необходимо осуществлять длительное время. Прием гормональных препаратов женщинам отменяется в случаях, при которых диагноз не отягощен сопутствующими нарушениями менструального цикла и отсутствием в гистологических анализах признаков злокачественных клеток. При признаках злокачественной опухоли проводят углубленное исследование органов на наличие злокачественных клеток и в случаях положительного результата применяют хирургическое удаление органа пораженного раковыми клетками (матки и придатков). Яичники, как важный орган внутренней секреции удаляется лишь в крайних случаях, до конца стараясь сохранить их функционирование, необходимое для развития других процессов в организме женщины.

В заключение хочется отметить, что полипы не являются критическим состоянием и соблюдая все рекомендации врача, можно значительно облегчить течение болезни, остановить дальнейшее развитие патологического процесса и дождаться полного восстановления после лечения.

 

90000 Polyps: Types, Treatments, and Biopsy 90001 90002 Polyps are abnormal tissue growths that most often look like small, flat bumps or tiny mushroomlike stalks. Most polyps are small and less than half an inch wide. 90003 90002 Polyps in the colon are the most common, but it’s also possible to develop polyps in places that include: 90003 90002 Most polyps are benign, meaning they’re noncancerous. But because they are due to abnormal cell growth, they can eventually become malignant, or cancerous.Your doctor can help determine if the growth is a polyp by performing a biopsy. This involves taking a small sample of tissue and testing it for the presence of cancerous cells. 90003 90002 Treatment for polyps depends on their location, size, and whether they’re benign or malignant. 90003 90002 90011 Read more about colonic polyps and colon cancer »90012 90003 90002 Each type of polyp can cause unique symptoms based on location. Below are some common polyp types, their locations, and symptoms.90015 90003 90002 Most colon polyps are noncancerous and do not often cause symptoms until they are in their later stages. But like gastric polyps, they can develop into cancer. 90003 90002 The causes of polyps can vary based on their location. For example, throat polyps are usually a result of an injury from shouting loudly or damage from a breathing tube. And sometimes doctors can not determine the cause of polyps. 90003 90002 Some known causes include: 90003 90002 Polyps grow through rapidly dividing cells, which is similar to how cancer cells grow.This is why they can become cancerous, even though most polyps are benign. 90003 90002 Men and people who smoke have a higher risk for bladder polyps. Women over 40 years of age and women who have had children are more likely to develop polyps in the uterus. 90003 90002 For cervical polyps, the risk increases in women over 20 years or age and women who are premenopausal. 90003 90002 People who habitually stress their vocal cords or have acid reflux have a higher risk for throat polyps. But there are no known risk factors for aural polyps.90003 90002 Talk to your doctor about your individual risks for polyps if you are concerned about a specific type. 90003 90033 Risks for colon polyps 90034 90002 For colon polyps, the risk factors include: 90003 90037 90038 eating a high-fat, low-fiber diet 90039 90038 being over 50 years of age 90039 90038 having a family history of colon polyps and cancer 90039 90038 using tobacco and alcohol 90039 90038 having an intestinal inflammation disorder like Crohn’s disease 90039 90038 being obese 90039 90038 not getting enough exercise 90039 90038 having type 2 diabetes that is not well-managed 90039 90054 90002 African-Americans are also at a higher risk of developing colon polyps.90003 90033 Risks for stomach polyps 90034 90002 The risk for stomach polyps increases with the following: 90003 90033 Risks for nasal polyps 90034 90002 Nasal polyps are more likely to develop in people who experience the following conditions: 90003 90002 Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. If your doctor suspects polyps, they will typically use imaging like X-rays, ultrasound, or a CT scan to see the affected area, which can help confirm a polyp’s presence and size.90003 90002 When you have a polyp, your doctor may want to perform a biopsy to find out if it is cancerous. 90003 90002 90011 What are the risks of a polyp biopsy? »90012 90003 90002 Depending on where the polyp or polyps are located, various procedures are used to obtain a sample. These includes: 90003 90037 90038 a Pap test to check for polyps in the vagina or cervix 90039 90038 an esophagogastroduodenoscopy or endoscopy for the small bowel and stomach 90039 90038 biopsy of areas that are easy to reach so a sample can be taken and analyzed under a microscope 90039 90038 a colonoscopy for polyps located in the large bowel 90039 90038 holding a mirror in the back of your mouth to check your vocal cords 90039 90054 90002 Some polyps will not require treatment, especially if your doctor says they are not harmful.Throat polyps typically go away on their own with rest and voice therapy. Others may be surgically removed as a precaution against the future development of cancer. 90003 90002 Treatment for polyps depends on a number of factors, including: 90003 90037 90038 whether or not the polyps are cancerous 90039 90038 how many polyps are found 90039 90038 where they are located 90039 90038 their size 90039 90054 90002 In the case of colorectal polyps , a doctor may remove the polyps during a colonoscopy.A colonoscopy is when your doctor uses a thin tube with a camera attached to look at the insides of your rectum and large intestine. 90003 90002 Your doctor may prescribe progestin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists for hormone-related polyps, like cervical and uterine polyps. These drugs will tell your body to create more hormones to shrink or reduce the polyps. 90003 90002 Nasal steroids or corticosteroid treatments may help to treat nasal polyps. 90003 90002 Your doctor will use the least invasive treatment before opting for surgical interventions.90003 90002 Your doctor will discuss the outlook for your particular diagnosis. The outlook for polyps depends upon the type of polyps, if they are cancerous, and your overall health. Most benign polyps are normally nothing to worry about, but your doctor may suggest removing them as a precaution. 90003 90002 It’s possible for benign polyps to develop into cancerous ones, or interfere with your life by causing infertility from uterine polyps or persistent stuffiness from nasal polyps. 90003 90002 The chance that polyps will reappear is slim, but colon polyps recur in 30 percent of people who have had them removed.Your doctor will recommend follow-up procedures, usually within 3 to 5 years. 90003 90002 Polyps can not always be prevented. This is the case for some polyp types such as nasal and uterine polyps. 90003 90002 But a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing colon polyps and minimize your risk of colorectal cancer. 90003 90002 Preventive steps include: 90003 90037 90038 eating a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain cereals 90039 90038 limiting your consumption of alcohol 90039 90038 refraining from using tobacco.90039 90038 exercising regularly to maintain a healthy body weight 90039 90054 90002 Talk to your doctor about additional steps you can take to prevent polyps, especially if you have a family history of polyps. 90003 90002 Noncancerous polyps and polyps with no symptoms usually do not require any intervention, unless they interfere with your day to day activities. Your doctor may recommend «watchful waiting» by monitoring the polyps to ensure they do not develop further. They’ll also be able to tell you when or if you should have surgery to remove the polyps.90003 90002 If you’re concerned about polyps, you can: 90003 90037 90038 Find out more about your family history of polyps and discuss them with your doctor. 90039 90038 Keep updated medical records of any previous tests and imaging studies regarding your diagnosis. 90039 90038 Follow up with your doctor if you’ve had the polyps removed to make sure you’re clear. 90039 90038 Be aware of the symptoms of polyps and seek treatment when they appear. 90039 90054.90000 Uterine Polyps (Uterus Polyp) Types, Causes and Symptoms 90001 90002 Polyps are growths of tissue that project from the mucus membrane. These growths are normally benign but in some cases they may become cancerous. Polyps may be found in different areas of the body, such as in the rectum or colon, bladder, nose (90003 nasal polyp 90004) or paranasal sinuses, and in the uterus. 90005 90006 What are uterine polyps? 90007 90002 Uterine or endometrial polyps are common benign growths from the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) which project into the uterine cavity.Polyps may vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. It is rarely cancerous. Uterine polyps are usually small, soft, round or oval-shaped masses of endometrial tissue and are differentiated from 90003 uterine fibroids 90004 by its consistency (fibroids have a firmer consistency). There may be a single polyp or a group of polyps. 90005 90006 Types of Uterine Polyps 90007 90002 There are different types of uterine polyps, namely: 90005 90016 90017 90003 Pedunculated polyps 90004 are those that are attached to the surface by a narrow stalk or pedicle.These are more common than sessile polyps. It may hang down from the uterus into the cervix or vagina. 90020 90017 90003 Sessile polyps 90004 are those that do not have a stalk but are attached by a flat base. 90020 90025 90002 Endometrial polyps are rare before the age of 20, most common between the ages of 40 and 50, and the incidence decreases after menopause. 90005 90002 Although abnormal uterine bleeding is the common symptom, many uterine polyps remain asymptomatic meaning that it does not result in any symptoms.Dur to the similarity of symptoms with endometrial cancer, however, gynecological assessment and appropriate investigations should be undertaken if such symptoms do develop. 90005 90006 How do uterine polyps occur? 90007 90002 The inside of the uterus (internal uterine lining) is known as the endometrium. During a normal menstrual cycle the hormone estrogen is released which leads to thickening of the endometrium during the initial proliferative or follicular phase. This prepares the uterus for implantation and nurturing of the embryo in case pregnancy does occur.90005 90002 In the next phase — the secretory or luteal phase — the hormone progesterone is released which causes the cells of the endometrium to swell and thicken with retained fluid. This allows the fertilized egg (now known as the embryo) to get implanted into the endometrium if it is presented. If pregnancy does not occur, the hormone levels drop and the uterine lining is shed which comes out with the blood as menstruation. 90005 90002 Uterine polyps are composed of irregular proliferative glands, with a fibrotic stroma containing thick-walled blood vessels.It is derives from the estrogen-sensitive endometrial tissue. Local overgrowth of cells in the endometrium, caused by the action of estrogen, is thought to produce growth of these polyps. Any cause of imbalance of the 90003 female hormones 90004 may be associated with the development of uterine polyps. 90005 90006 Causes and Risk Factors of Uterine Polyps 90007 90002 No definitive cause has been identified for the development of uterine polyps. Certain risk factors may be involved in uterine polyps.90005 90016 90017 Uterine polyps are sensitive to the hormone estrogen so it is more likely to occur in women with a hormonal imbalance. 90020 90017 Common between the ages of 40 and 50. 90020 90017 Occurring more commonly just before or around menopause. 90020 90017 Obesity — women with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. 90020 90017 Hypertension (high blood pressure). 90020 90017 Women who are currently on or were previously taking anti-estrogen drugs such as tamoxifen (used in the treatment of breast cancer).90020 90017 90003 Hormone replacement therapy 90004 (HRT) may be a risk factor, although it has not been proved conclusively. 90020 90025 90002 90003 Uterine polyps 90004 (endometrial polyps) which are localized, small growths of endometrial tissue, are usually not a health risk and often occur without any signs or symptoms. Due to the absence of symptoms, especially when the polyps are small, they may go undetected and in such cases are unlikely to warrant any treatment. 90005 90006 Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Polyps 90007 90002 A polyp may be felt as a soft, smooth, round or oval growth attached to the inside of the uterus.Sometimes, the stalk attaching the polyp to the uterine wall may become long enough for the polyp to hang down into the vagina through the cervix. 90005 90070 Vaginal Bleeding 90071 90002 Abnormal uterine bleeding is the most common symptom of uterine polyps. This may include: 90005 90016 90017 Heavy menstrual bleeding. 90020 90017 Irregular menstrual bleeding. 90020 90017 Bleeding between periods. 90020 90017 Dysmenorrhea or painful periods. 90020 90017 Postmenopausal bleeding.90020 90017 Bleeding after sexual intercourse. 90020 90017 Breakthrough bleeding during hormone therapy. 90020 90025 90070 Infertility 90071 90002 Whether uterine polyps cause infertility is the subject of debate. It has been suggested that this may occur in a number of ways. 90005 90094 90017 The polyp acts as a natural intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) by preventing implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. 90020 90017 By blocking the entrance into the fallopian tube it prevents sperms from entering the tube, thus making fertilization impossible.90020 90017 If the cervix is ​​blocked by the polyp, sperms can not enter the uterus. 90020 90101 90006 Complications of Uterine Polyps 90007 90016 90017 A pedunculated polyp protruding into the vagina through the cervix may bleed. It can also give rise to pain. 90020 90017 A polyp can get twisted on its stalk, resulting in pain and subsequent infection due to cutting off of its blood supply. 90020 90017 Sometimes, a polyp may grow to a proportion such that it becomes the cause of infertility.90020 90017 Excessive bleeding may lead to anemia. 90020 90017 With polyps there is increased chance of a 90003 spontaneous abortion 90004 (miscarriage), particularly in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). 90020 90017 Cancerous changes may occur in extremely rare cases. Malignancy is more likely to occur in polyps developing during or after menopause. 90020 90025.90000 What is a Uterus Polyp? (With pictures) 90001 90002 A uterus polyp, also known as an endometrial polyp, is an abnormal growth that affixes itself to the interior wall of the uterus. Resulting from an overgrowth of cells, uterine polyps can be a recurrent condition requiring several treatments. At the first sign of any menstrual abnormality or pelvic discomfort, medical attention should be sought due to the risks and complications associated with uterine polyps.90003 90004 There is no known cause for uterine polyps. 90002 Polyps that develop in the uterus originate from an overgrowth of cells within the lining of the uterus.As they mature, the polyps affix themselves directly to the lining of the uterus or, in some cases, by a stem-like structure. Uterine polyps are generally small and malleable, as opposed to fibroids, which are comprised of firm muscle and are much larger in size. 90003 90007 Women with uterine polyps may experience bleeding between menstrual periods.90002 Ranging in size from that of a small seed to as large as a ping pong ball, there is no known cause for uterine polyps. It has been suggested that hormones may contribute to uterus polyp development, but a direct correlation has not been established.Increased estrogen levels have been documented in women with uterus polyps and it has been asserted that increased levels may contribute to polyp growth. Women who have taken tamoxifen, an estrogen disruptor used in breast cancer treatment, are at an increased risk of developing uterine polyps. 90003 90002 Want to automatically save time and money month? Take a 2-minute quiz to find out how you can start saving up to $ 257 / month.90003 90012 Obese women in their 40s are at an increased risk of developing uterine polyps. 90002 It is not uncommon for women to be diagnosed as having multiple polyps at one time.The presence of a uterus polyp can cause a variety of symptoms including irregular menstruation, bleeding between menstrual periods, and vaginal bleeding following menopause. It is also possible for a woman to have uterine polyps without experiencing any symptoms at all. Medical attention should be sought at the first sign of any menstrual irregularities or pelvic discomfort. 90003 90015 Uterine polyps may increase the risk of miscarriage.90002 A variety of tests may be used to confirm the presence of a uterus polyp. A transvaginal ultrasound utilizes sound waves, introduced into the vagina through a long, slender device, to create an image of the uterus making the polyps visible. In order to obtain a clearer view of the interior of the uterus, hysterosonography may be administered, which involves the introduction of saline to expand the uterine cavity.A hysteroscopy allows for an examination of the uterus as well as the removal of polyps that are found, eliminating the necessity of a secondary procedure. 90003 90018 Uterus polyps are generally noncancerous. 90002 There are a several treatment approaches for uterine polyps that are dependent on recurrence and severity.An annual physical and Pap smear may detect the presence of a uterus polyp for women who are asymptomatic, or not experiencing any symptoms. In cases where the polyps are small and there are no symptoms, a wait and watch approach is generally taken. Smaller polyps will usually go away without treatment. Larger polyps may be treated for the short-term with hormonal medications to shrink the polyp and alleviate symptoms. 90003 90021 It is not uncommon for women to be diagnosed as having multiple polyps at a time.90002 Uterus polyps are generally benign, or noncancerous, though in persistently recurrent cases, a biopsy may be taken as a precaution. When a biopsy is necessary, a procedure called curettage is performed. This procedure uses a long, thin metal instrument outfitted with a loop on the end, called a curet, to scrape the interior walls of the uterus and remove the polyp.Biopsy results that are indicative of the presence of cancer may require a hysterectomy, or the surgical removal of the uterus. 90003 90002 Women in their 40s and 50s who are obese, have high blood pressure, or have experienced cervical polyps in the past are at an increased risk for developing uterine polyps. The risk of infertility as a result of uterine polyps is still a matter of much controversy.Uterine polyps may increase the risk of miscarriage for pregnant women who have undergone in vitro fertilization (IFV). 90003 90026 Uterus polyps may be discovered during a routine pap smear. .90000 Polyp of Cervix: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis 90001 90002 Cervical polyps are small, elongated tumors that grow on the cervix. The cervix is ​​the narrow canal at the bottom of the uterus that extends into the vagina. The cervix connects the uterine cavity and the upper portion of the vagina. It acts as the passageway for sperm to fertilize an egg, which could result in pregnancy. During labor, the cervix becomes thinner and wider. This allows the baby to pass through the birth canal. 90003 90002 Polyps are fragile structures that grow from stalks rooted on the surface of the cervix or inside of the cervical canal.If someone has polyps, usually only one polyp is present, and two or three at most. 90003 90002 According to Harvard University, they’re most common in women in their 40s and 50s who’ve had more than one child. Polyps almost never occur in young women before the start of menstruation. Polyps are also common during pregnancy. This may occur due to an increase in the hormone estrogen. 90003 90002 Cervical polyps are usually benign, or not cancerous, and cervical cancer rarely arises from them. Most cervical cancers are due to the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is also the cause of genital warts.90003 90002 Polyps on the cervix may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, see your gynecologist right away if you experience vaginal discharge of white or yellow mucus, or abnormally heavy periods. 90003 90002 You should also call your doctor if you experience vaginal spotting or bleeding: 90003 90002 Some of these symptoms can also be signs of cancer. In rare cases, polyps represent an early phase of cervical cancer. Removing them helps reduce this risk. 90003 90002 Ask your doctor how often you should get regular pelvic exams and Pap tests.Recommendations can vary depending on your age and health history. 90003 90002 It is not fully understood why cervical polyps occur. Their formation may be linked to: 90003 90020 90021 increased levels of estrogen, which is the female sex hormone 90022 90021 chronic inflammation of the cervix, vagina, or uterus 90022 90021 clogged blood vessels 90022 90027 90028 High estrogen levels 90029 90002 Estrogen levels naturally fluctuate throughout a woman’s life. Your estrogen levels will be highest during childbearing years, during any pregnancies, and in the months leading up to menopause.90003 90002 Man-made chemicals that mimic estrogen are present in the environment. For example, xenoestrogens are in commercially produced meats and dairy products. Chemical estrogens can also be released into food that’s heated in plastic or plastic foam containers. Even some air fresheners contain phthalates, which are other estrogen-like chemicals. 90003 90028 Inflammation 90029 90002 An inflamed cervix appears red, irritated, or eroded. Some of the known causes of cervical inflammation include: 90003 90002 Polyps are easy for your doctor to see during a routine pelvic exam.Your doctor will see smooth, fingerlike growths on the cervix that appear red or purple. The two types of cervical polyps are ectocervical and endocervical. 90003 90002 Ectocervical polyps arise from the outer surface layer of cells on the cervix. Endocervical polyps arise from the cervical glands, and they’re the most common type of cervical polyp. Postmenopausal women are more likely to have ectocervical polyps, and premenopausal woman are more likely to have endocervical polyps. 90003 90002 Biopsies, or tissue samples, of the polyps are taken and sent to a laboratory for testing.Results usually show benign polyp cells. In rare cases, abnormal cells or precancerous patterns of growth known as neoplastic changes may be present. 90003 90002 Sometimes, cervical polyps will disconnect from the cervix on their own. This can occur while a woman is menstruating or during sexual intercourse. 90003 90002 Doctors do not routinely remove cervical polyps unless they cause symptoms. Removing cervical polyps is a simple procedure that your doctor can perform in their office. No pain medication is necessary.Methods for removing cervical polyps include: 90003 90020 90021 twisting the polyp off at the base 90022 90021 tying surgical string around the base of the polyp and cutting it away 90022 90021 using ring forceps to remove the polyp 90022 90027 90002 Methods to destroy the base of the polyp include the use of: 90003 90020 90021 liquid nitrogen 90022 90021 electrocautery ablation, which involves using an electrically heated needle 90022 90021 laser surgery 90022 90027 90002 You may feel a brief, mild pain during removal and mild to moderate cramps for a few hours afterward.Spotting of blood from the vagina may occur for one or two days after removal. 90003 90002 In some instances, the polyps or the polyp stems are too large to remove in a doctor’s office. If this is the case, you may need to have surgery to remove the cervical polyp in a hospital or surgery in a hospital or surgery center. 90003 90002 The outlook for people with cervical polyps is excellent. Once the doctor removes them, they do not usually grow back. 90003 90002 Polyp removal is a simple, safe, and noninvasive procedure.However, if you’ve ever had polyps, you’re at increased risk of developing them again. Getting regular pelvic exams helps ensure finding any growths early in their development. 90003 90002 Since some infections are linked to cervical polyps, a few simple steps may help reduce your risk. Wear cotton underwear that allows good air circulation. This prevents excess heat and moisture, which is the perfect environment for infections. Also, use a condom during intercourse. 90003 90002 Be sure to get regular pelvic exams and Pap tests.How frequently you should get Pap tests depends on your overall health history and age. Your doctor can recommend the amount of time, which usually is anywhere from three to five years for women who have not had a history of abnormal Pap results. 90003.