Cervical Disorders

Question 1

What are cervical polyps?

Answer 1

Benign growths protruding from the inner surface of the cervix

Question 2

What is the cellular change that causes cervical polyps?

Answer 2

focal hyperplasia of the columnar epithelium of the endocervix

Question 3

List the clinical features of cervical polyps

Answer 3

Asymptomatic

Abnormal vaginal bleeding - menorrhagia, intermenstrual, post-coital, post-menopausal

Increased vaginal discharge

Infertility (rare)

Visible as polypoid growths through external os

Question 4

Outline the correct way to investigate cervical polyps

Answer 4

Histology

Triple swabs - if suggestion of infection

Cervical smear - rule out CIN

Question 5

How are cervical polyps treated?

Answer 5

Removal

Question 6

Define cervical ectropion

Answer 6

Stratified squamous cells of the ectocervix undergo metaplastic change to become simple columnar ep (same as endocervix)

This change is thought to be induced by high levels of oestrogen

Columnar ep contains mucus-secreting glands = increased vaginal discharge

Question 7

Outline the clinical features of cervical ectropion

Answer 7

Asymptomatic

Post coital bleeding = fine blood vessels present within the epithelium

Intermenstrual bleeding

Excessive discharge

Speculum = everted columnar ep is red

Question 8

How is cervical ectropion treated?

Answer 8

Stop oestrogen containing meds

If symptomatic, columnar ep can be ablated via cryotherapy or electrotherapy