Should I be worried about a large cervical polyp?

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. You should also call your doctor if you experience vaginal spotting or bleeding: after sexual intercourse.

Are large cervical polyps cancerous?

Cervical polyps are the most common non-cancerous tumour of the cervix. Most polyps are non-cancerous, but some can be cancerous (malignant). Cervical polyps happen most often in women over 20 years of age. They are rare in young women who have not started their period (menstruation).

How big can cervical polyps grow?

They can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters long. These bumps inside your cervix are pretty common. They’re most common in women over age 20 who’ve given birth to more than one child. They’re rare in girls who haven’t started their period.

What percentage of cervical polyps are cancerous?

As mentioned earlier, cervical polyps are benign in most cases, although they may be malignant in 0.2 to 1.5% of the cases. The removal of cervical polyps is a simple procedure with low complications. Women who have previously had polyps are at risk of recurrence.

Is cervical polyp removal painful?

Having a cervical polyp removed is not painful; however you may feel mild discomfort similar to period pain afterwards. If you are uncomfortable, pain relief will be offered to you.

What is considered to be a large polyp?

Large polyps are 10 millimeters (mm) or larger in diameter (25 mm equals about 1 inch).

How are large cervical polyps removed?

Cervical polyps are removed with an instrument called polyp forceps. The instrument is used to grasp the base for the polyp and the polyp is removed with a gentle twisting motion. Occasionally, if the polyp is large or broad based this will be removed under local anesthetic.

What does a large cervical polyp look like?

Polyps are usually cherry-red to reddish-purple or grayish-white. They vary in size and often look like bulbs on thin stems. Cervical polyps are usually not cancerous (benign) and can occur alone or in groups.

Can a Dr tell if a polyps is cancerous?

Most polyps are benign (not cancerous). Your doctor can tell if a colon polyp is cancerous during a colonoscopy by collecting tissue to biopsy. The results of the biopsy are typically sent to your doctor within a week. Only 5% to 10% of all polyps become cancerous.