Cervical Polyps

Introduction

This leaflet aims to answer your questions about having a cervical polyp removed (polyp from neck of womb).

What is a cervical polyp?

A cervical polyp is a growth of tissue from either the outside of the cervix (neck of womb) or inside the cervical canal (the passage between the vagina and the womb). Most polyps are benign (not cancerous) and can be removed quite easily. However, very rarely they could contain abnormal cells which require further treatment or investigations.

One in ten women will have a cervical polyp in their lifetime but the cause is unknown. They usually continue to grow and can still reoccur even after treatment. There are often no symptoms and the polyp is often noticed when women and people with a cervix have a cervical screening test (smear) taken or when an internal examination has been carried out.

The cervical polyp may have blood vessels running through it, which can often be the cause of irregular bleeding. Therefore, some cervical polyps may cause the following issues:

• Bleeding may occur after sexual intercourse.

• Bleeding noticed between periods.

• Bleeding after the menopause.

• On occasion, it can make it more difficult to get an adequate cervical screening sample.

What happens at the hospital?

A cervical polyp is usually easily removed as a minor procedure at an outpatient clinic and normally does not cause any pain during removal. Once located polyp forceps are then used to gently twist the polyp off.

Any biopsies taken including the polyp that is removed during any other treatment, will be sent to a laboratory. You will be informed of your results by letter within 4 to 8 weeks.

Your GP will also be sent a letter with the results of your biopsy.

What are the advantages?

• Removal of the cervical polyp should stop any symptoms you may have been experiencing such as bleeding.

• If left, the cervical polyp may continue to grow.

• A cervical polyp can make it difficult for a practitioner to obtain an adequate cervical screening test.

What are the associated risks with the procedure, what should I know?

• You may experience period like discomfort for a few days (simple pain relief such as paracetamol should help to relieve this).

• Heavy bleeding following the cervical polyp removal is rare, however you should expect some slight spotting for a few days.

• You should expect some change in your discharge for a few days (3 to 4) during the healing process.

• Occasionally, you could develop an infection after removal. Symptoms may include, lower abdominal pain, change in discharge from the vagina including increase in discharge, change in discharge colour and a change in the odour of the discharge.

After the removal of a cervical polyp, you should use sanitary towels, not tampons, until your next period.

Are there any alternative treatments?

You can choose not to have the procedure if you feel you can cope with the symptoms the polyp may be causing (if any). However, the polyp may become bigger and cause you to have abnormal bleeding or prevents you from having your Cervical Screen.

Further Advice

We hope that you have found the information in this leaflet helpful.

If you require any further advice regarding your care, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic staff. They are there to support you and are happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have.

Contact Numbers

University Hospital of North Tees

Outpatients Department
Telephone: 01642 624172
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Outpatients Department
Telephone: 01429 522865
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

You can also contact a Specialist Nurse Colposcopist on the following number:

Colposcopy Hub
Telephone: 01429 522268
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]