[Medical Q&A] Can benign tumors grow on the cervix?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Chen Juan, Chief Physician, Peking Union Medical College Hospital

When talking about tumors in the cervix, many people will think of cervical cancer. In fact, benign tumors can also grow in the cervix.

The cervix, also known as the "cervix", is the cylindrical and narrow part of the lower part of the uterus. The ratio of the cervix to the uterine body in adult women is about 1:2. The cervix connects the uterine body and the vagina, and a variety of benign lesions can occur. Cervical polyps are a common benign lesion of the cervix. They are caused by the localized proliferation of endocervical glands and stroma, and protrusion to the external opening of the cervix. They are manifested as bleeding (bleeding after sexual intercourse or irregular vaginal bleeding) and vaginal discharge (white or yellow). Some patients may not have any symptoms and are accidentally discovered during gynecological examinations. Cervical glandular cysts (also known as "Nassler cysts") are cysts formed by the blockage of the opening of the cervical glands, resulting in the retention of glandular secretions. Most patients have no obvious symptoms, and a few patients may have increased vaginal discharge. Cervical leiomyoma is a benign tumor formed by the proliferation of smooth muscle cells. Patients may experience irregular vaginal bleeding. Larger leiomyoma may cause pain or compression symptoms in the lower abdomen. Cervical fibroma is a benign tumor formed by the proliferation of fibrous tissue. Most patients have no obvious symptoms, and a few have irregular vaginal bleeding. In short, benign cervical tumors are not uncommon. If there are symptoms or they are discovered during a gynecological examination, they should be treated promptly, especially some larger tumors (such as cervical leiomyoma), which require surgical treatment.