Non-cancerous tumours of the cervix

A non-cancerous (benign) tumour of the cervix is a growth that does not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Non-cancerous tumours are not usually life-threatening. They are typically removed with surgery and do not usually come back (recur).

Cervical polyps are the most common non-cancerous tumour of the cervix. Most polyps are non-cancerous, but in rare cases they become cancerous (malignant).

Cervical polyps happen most often in people over 20 years old. They are rare in young people who have not started their period (menstruation). Cervical polyps are red, finger-like growths. They grow in the endocervical canal (the passageway from the uterus to the vagina) and may stick out into the vagina.

Cervical polyps don’t always cause symptoms but some people may have abnormal vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge that is yellow to white. A cervical polyp may be found when a doctor does a pelvic exam.

Cervical polyps usually don’t need to be treated. Polyps that are large, bleeding or look abnormal can be removed, usually during a pelvic exam by gently twisting the polyp, tying it tightly at the base, or removing it with special forceps.

A nabothian cyst is a lump filled with mucus that develops on the surface of the cervix from blocked cervical glands. Nabothian cysts are common and normal to have. They are usually found during a routine pelvic exam and appear as a small, smooth rounded lump or collection of lumps.

Nabothian cysts usually doesn’t need to be treated. In some cases they may become large enough to change the shape or size of the cervix and can make pelvic exams difficult. If the nabothian cyst is too large, it may be opened and drained to release the mucus or removed by surgery.

Cervical fibroids (myomas) start in the muscle tissue of the cervix. They are similar to uterine fibroids but less common.

Cervical fibroids may cause symptoms. The most common symptoms are irregular or heavy vaginal bleeding and pain during sex. In rare cases, the fibroid may partially block the urinary tract if it grows very large. You may dribble some pee after urinating or have a hard time emptying your bladder completely. People with cervical fibroids are more likely to get urinary tract infections.

Cervical fibroids usually don’t need to be treated unless they cause symptoms. Treatment includes medicine to control symptoms or surgery to remove the fibroid.