In short
A benign neoplasm of the cervix uteri is a non-cancerous growth that develops on the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. These growths do not spread to other parts of the body and are not usually life-threatening.
What is a benign neoplasm of the cervix?
A benign neoplasm (also called a non-cancerous tumor) of the cervix uteri is a growth that forms on the cervix without the characteristics of cancer. Unlike cancerous tumors, these growths do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis.
The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb) that opens into the vagina. It plays an important role in the female reproductive system, allowing menstrual blood to leave the body and expanding during childbirth.
These benign growths are characterized by the absence of abnormal or malignant (cancerous) features in their cells and structure. They do not have the ability to invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant sites in the body. Representative examples include squamous papilloma, endocervical polyp, and rhabdomyoma.
- Cervix uteri (uterine cervix)
- Endocervical canal
- Squamocolumnar junction
Types of benign cervical neoplasms
Several different types of benign growths can develop on the cervix. Each type has distinct characteristics and may require different approaches to management.
Cervical polyp
Cervical polyps are the most common type of non-cancerous tumor of the cervix. Most polyps are benign, though some can occasionally be cancerous.
These growths occur most often in women over 20 years of age and are rare in young women who have not yet started their period. They appear as red, finger-like growths that develop in the endocervical canal (the passageway from the uterus to the vagina) and may extend out into the vagina.
Nabothian cyst
A nabothian cyst is a lump filled with mucus that develops on the surface of the cervix. Most women have nabothian cysts, and their presence is considered normal. They are usually discovered during a routine pelvic examination and appear as small, smooth rounded lumps or collections of lumps on the cervix.
Cervical fibroid
Cervical fibroids (also called myomas) start in the muscle tissue of the cervix. They are similar to uterine fibroids but are less common. These growths develop from the smooth muscle cells of the cervix.
Other benign growths
Additional types of benign cervical neoplasms include cervical leiomyoma, cervical rhabdomyoma, cervical blue nevus, cervical mullerian papilloma, and cervix squamous papilloma. Some growths may contain both tissue types, such as cervical adenofibroma and cervical adenomyoma.
Symptoms and detection
Many benign neoplasms of the cervix do not cause any symptoms at all. Women may not know that something is present since cervix disorders often have no noticeable signs.
When symptoms occur
When benign cervical growths do cause symptoms, they may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between menstrual periods or after sexual intercourse
- Vaginal discharge that is yellow to white in color
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Feeling of pelvic pressure in some cases
For cervical fibroids specifically, if the growth becomes large, it may partially block the urinary tract and cause urinary problems such as dribbling or difficulty fully emptying the bladder. This can potentially lead to urinary tract infections.
How they are discovered
Most benign cervical neoplasms are found during routine pelvic examinations and Pap smear tests. During a pelvic exam, a healthcare provider may notice changes or growths on the cervix. Even without symptoms, regular pelvic exams can help identify these growths early.
Your healthcare provider may look for redness, inflammation, or unusual growths during the examination. Additional tests may be performed if something abnormal is detected.
Treatment approaches
The treatment for benign cervical neoplasms depends on the specific type of growth, whether it causes symptoms, and its characteristics.
When treatment is not needed
Many benign cervical growths do not require treatment. Cervical polyps often don't need to be treated unless they are causing problems. Nabothian cysts usually don't need treatment either, as they are a normal finding.
Cervical fibroids typically don't need to be treated unless they cause symptoms. In such cases, medicine may be used to control symptoms.
Removal procedures
When treatment is necessary, benign cervical neoplasms are typically removed with surgery. Once removed, they usually do not come back.
Cervical polyps that are large, bleeding, or look abnormal can be removed, usually during a pelvic examination. This is often a simple procedure that can be done in the doctor's office.
For nabothian cysts that become large enough to change the shape of the cervical canal and make pelvic exams difficult, the cyst may be opened and drained to release the mucus, or it may be removed by surgery.
Cervical fibroids that cause symptoms may be removed through surgery.
Importance of follow-up
Even though most cervical polyps are non-cancerous, some can be cancerous. This is why healthcare providers may recommend removing and examining polyps that look unusual.
Medical identification codes
MONDO:0000644
C0153997
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