Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Cervical polyps

Table of Contents

Definition

Cervical polyps are fingerlike growths on the lower part of the uterus that connects with the vagina (cervix).


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of cervical polyps is not completely understood. They may occur with:

  • An abnormal response to increased levels of the female hormone, estrogen
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Clogged blood vessels in the cervix

Cervical polyps are common, especially in women over age 20 who have had children. Polyps are rare in young women who have not started their period (menstruation).

Most women have only one polyp, but some women have two or three.



Review Date: 02/22/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)