Removal of a Cervical Polyp

This leaflet aims to answer your questions about having a cervical polyp removed. It explains the benefits, risks and alternatives, as well as what you can expect when you come to the clinic.

If you have any further questions, please speak to the doctor at the appointment.

What is a cervical polyp?

A polyp is a growth of tissue from either the outside of the cervix (neck of the womb) or inside the cervical canal (the passageway between the vagina and the womb). Polyps are usually benign (not cancerous) and can be removed quite easily.

There are often no symptoms and the polyp will only be noticed when a woman has had a smear test. However, some polyps can cause bleeding after sexual intercourse, bleeding between periods, bleeding after the menopause, or discharge.

What are the benefits - why should I have the polyp removed?

• A small percentage of polyps (between 2 and 15 in every 1,000) are abnormal and may develop into cancer if left.

• Removing the polyp should make symptoms such as bleeding after sexual intercourse or in between periods return to normal.

• A polyp sometimes makes it difficult to take an adequate smear test, which means you could be asked to have more frequent smear tests.

• If left, a polyp may continue to grow.

What are the risks of having the polyp removed?

• Bleeding sometimes occurs after the polyp has been removed. A chemical substance called silver nitrate can be applied to stop any bleeding.

• Some polyps are too large to be removed in the outpatient department and may need to be removed in theater. This would need to be arranged for a future appointment.

• There is a very small risk of infection following removal of a cervical polyp. An offensive (bad) smelling discharge is a sign that an infection has occurred. If you suspect that you have an infection you should either contact the clinic or see your GP.

What happens during the procedure to remove the polyp?

• Cervical polyps are removed with an instrument called polyp forceps. This instrument is used to grasp the base of the polyp and the polyp is removed with a gentle twisting motion.

• Occasionally, if the doctor or nurse cannot see the base of the polyp, a procedure called a hysteroscopy is performed. This involves passing a small camera through the neck of the womb to see if the polyp starts in the cervix or in the womb.

• If bleeding occurs, a caustic substance called silver nitrate is applied to the area to stop the bleeding.

• The polyp is then sent to the laboratory for examination to make sure that the tissue is normal.

Will I feel any pain?

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

What happens after the procedure?

• Please bring a sanitary towel to wear, as you will have some discharge which can continue for 7–14 days. If silver nitrate was used, the discharge may be dark brown in colour for the first few days, and it is particularly important that you do not have sexual intercourse for at least three days as the chemical can make your partner quite sore.

What do I need to do after I go home?

• You should not use tampons while you are bleeding or passing discharge, and sexual intercourse should also be avoided. You can take a bath or shower as normal. If you feel any discomfort you should take a pain reliever such as paracetamol, following the instructions on the packet.

What should I do if I have a problem?

• If you have a problem or are worried, you can ring the ICG service, or see your GP. In an emergency, please contact 111 or attend the emergency department of your local hospital.

Will I have a follow-up appointment? •

• You will not routinely be given a follow-up appointment. The result of the polyp examination will be sent to your GP however you will be contacted if the polyp is found to be abnormal. The results will be available within one to two weeks.