What Is It? The cervix is a tubelike channel that connects the
uterus to the vagina. Cervical polyps are growths that usually
appear on the cervix where it opens into the vagina. Polyps are
usually cherry-red to reddish-purple or grayish-white. They vary
in size and often look like bulbs on thin stems. Cervical polyps
are usually not cancerous (benign) and can occur alone or in
groups. Most polyps are small, about 1 centimeter to 2
centimeters long. Because rare types of cancerous conditions can
look like polyps, all polyps should be removed and examined for
signs of cancer. The cause of cervical polyps is not well
understood, but they are associated with inflammation of the
cervix. They also may result from an abnormal response to the
female hormone estrogen. Cervical polyps are relatively common,
especially in women older than 20 who have had at least one
child. They are rare in girls who have not started menstruating.
There are two types of cervical polyps: - Ectocervical polyps
can develop from the outer