How to check cervical polyps

Cervical polyps cannot be detected at the beginning unless they happen to be detected during a physical examination. Further examination is needed to determine whether there are multiple polyps or a single polyp and what the current pathological state of the polyp is. Common examination methods include gynecological examination, pathological examination, colposcopy, etc. Different samples and examination methods are different. It depends on the examination arrangements of your local hospital.

1. Gynecological examination

Most cervical polyps are discovered during gynecological examinations. Examination may reveal a protruding mass at the external cervical opening, which may be tongue-shaped or spherical, generally soft in texture, with congested surface, and may be accompanied by increased secretions and contact bleeding. The roots of polyps are mostly attached to the cervical canal or the external opening of the cervix, with a diameter of less than 1 cm, single or multiple. There are also larger ones, which can reach several centimeters in diameter and have a pedicle that protrudes outside the cervical os as it grows. If the polyp is small, it will remain in the cervical canal and only appear slightly at the cervical opening.

2. Pathological examination

It can be seen that the center of the polyp is a longitudinal axis formed by fibrous connective tissue, with many dense blood vessels. Outside is the inherent tissue of the cervix, including glands and stroma. The surface is covered by cervical mucosa. The tissue composition and structure are basically the same as those of normal cervical tissue, which is a typical polyp tissue phase. Congestion, edema and inflammatory cell infiltration can also be seen.

3. Colposcopy

Depending on the epithelium covering the surface of cervical polyps, there are two types of images under the colposcope.

(1) Polyps are formed by excessive proliferation and accumulation of the cervical mucosa. Under colposcopy, the polyps appear bright red and have a certain luster. Single polyps have a thin stalk, while multiple polyps appear in clusters with a wider base and a shorter stalk. It is soft and brittle and easily bleeds when touched.

(2) Polyps originate from the squamous epithelium covering the surface of the cervical vaginal part. Since the stroma is mainly composed of fibrous connective tissue, the polyps are pink in color, protrude from the squamous epithelium of the cervix, have a wide base, and a few have a thin stalk. They are tough in texture and are not prone to bleeding when touched.

4. Others

Cervical smear showed Pap grade II. For patients with more serious conditions, cervical biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis.