What does cervical polyp look like?
In recent years, women often hear the term "cervical polyps" and they also know that it is a type of cervical disease. However, not many people actually know what cervical polyps really look like. So, what do cervical polyps really look like?
Gynecological experts introduce: A polyp refers to an extra growth on the surface of human tissue. Modern medicine usually refers to any growths on the mucosal surface of the body as polyps. The word "polyp" means excess or surplus. It is recorded in "Shuowen Jiezi" that "a polyp is parasitic flesh." In "Huangdi Neijing • Jade Chapter," it says "a tumor is a polyp." Polyps belong to one type of benign tumors. However, those cysts growing under the skin, lipomas in fat, or myomas within muscles can also cause bulges on the surface of the body, but they do not fall into the category of polyps. Medically, they are generally named according to their location of appearance. For example, those growing on the vocal cords are called "vocal cord polyps," those appearing on the stomach wall are called "stomach polyps," and so on. Those growing on the cervix are referred to as cervical polyps.
Cervical polyps adhere to the uterine cervical opening or inside the cervical canal. They form due to the continuous hyperplasia of the cervical mucosa stimulated by inflammation, accumulating and protruding from the base layer of the mucosa towards the external cervical opening, thereby forming cervical polyps. Accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration, they can occur singly or multiply. So, what do cervical polyps look like?
Cervical polyps are relatively small in volume, with a diameter less than 1 cm, shaped like a tongue, bright red in color, soft and brittle in texture, prone to bleeding, with a long thin stalk. There are also larger ones, with diameters reaching several centimeters, having a stalk that grows outwards from the cervical opening as they develop. Smaller polyps remain within the cervical canal, only slightly protruding from the cervical opening. Another type of cervical polyp occurs in the cervical vaginal part, covered by stratified squamous epithelium, with fibrous connective tissue contained within the stroma. This type of polyp is superficial, protrudes outward, has a wide base, is pale red in color, and is tougher in texture.
As shown in the figure:
Experts warn: If untreated, cervical polyps will gradually grow larger, blocking the cervical opening. Or if the polyps happen to block the uterine cervical opening, it may lead to narrowing or deformation of the cervical canal, thereby obstructing the normal ascent of sperm and causing infertility. It may also result in bleeding during intercourse, or bloody vaginal discharge, affecting sexual life. Therefore, women suffering from cervical polyps should seek treatment at a reputable hospital as soon as possible.
This article is excerpted from: Changchun Gynecology Hospital Official Website Original Address: http://www.tjfk999.com/gongjingxirou/201103031986.html To learn more about gynecological diseases, please visit the official website of Changchun Gynecology Hospital.