Polyp in the cervix is ​​a fairly common problem. This diagnosis is often encountered by patients in gynecological departments. That is why the questions about what constitutes the removal of the polyp of the cervical canal are becoming increasingly relevant. What treatment methods does modern medicine offer? What are the complications of the removal procedure?
What is a polyp?
A polyp is a small benign mass. It is characterized by a tree-like shape and the presence of a leg, with the help of which it is attached to the tissues of the cervical canal (the leg can be both wide and thin).
In most cases, polyps form in the outer part of the cervical canal, at its border with the external pharynx. On the other hand, such neoplasms can germinate in any part of the cervix. Polyps can have different sizes and shapes. In approximately 25% of cases, neoplasms in the cervical canal are precisely polyps.
The main causes of the formation of polyps
Today, many people are wondering why a cervical canal polyp is formed. The causes of this structure may be different. In most cases, the formation of a polyp is associated with impaired normal hormonal levels. For example, such structures are often found in women in the menopause. In addition, the risk factors include diseases of the endocrine system, malfunctions of the immune system, as well as constant stresses that affect the level of hormones.
The connection between the formation of polyps and the penetration of infection into the organs of the reproductive system is also noted. Such structures can form against the background of genital herpes, human papillomavirus, candidiasis, ureaplasmosis, trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Of course, these are not all factors under the influence of which a polyp of the cervical canal is formed. Causes of occurrence may lie in various ailments of the reproductive system. Risk factors include diseases such as fibroids, cervical erosion, endometriosis, atrophic colpitis, ovarian cystosis and some others.
The main types of polyps
To date, there are many classification systems for such neoplasms. For example, if we take into account the histological characteristics, we can distinguish the following types of these structures:
- The glandular polyp of the cervical canal is formed from endometrial tissues, in which the glandular cells are randomly located . Such neoplasms, as a rule, are small in size. After their removal, additional therapy is not required.
- More dangerous is the fibrous polyp of the cervical canal, which is formed from dense fibrous tissues. In the presence of such a neoplasm, patients require hormone therapy, since there is a risk of degeneration into a malignant tumor. By the way, most often, such polyps are found in elderly patients.
- There is also a mixed (glandular-fibrous) neoplasm. Such a polyp consists of both endometrial cells and elements of connective tissue. By the way, it can grow and reach a relatively large size.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
The clinical picture with a similar pathology depends on the number and size of polyps. For example, small, isolated neoplasms rarely cause any significant deterioration in a woman's condition. In most cases, all symptoms are associated with trauma or inflammation of the polyp. In such cases, patients complain of drawing pains in the lower abdomen. Sometimes there is the appearance of mucous or mucopurulent discharge, which are associated mainly with the inflammatory process. With a trauma of neoplasms, the appearance of bloody or sucrose secretions is possible.
But, according to statistics, in most cases, the disease is diagnosed by chance during an ultrasound or gynecological examination.
Basic diagnostic measures
As already mentioned, the formation and growth of polyps often occur without any physical symptoms. And most often, the neoplasm is detected during a routine gynecological examination with the help of mirrors. In the future, the patient is recommended to undergo a series of additional studies.
For example, procedures such as cervicoscopy and colposcopy are quite informative. The doctor has the opportunity to examine the structure of polyps, as well as detect the presence of ulcers, areas of inflammation or necrosis. In addition, a gynecological ultrasound is performed, which makes it possible to establish the presence or absence of polyps directly in the uterine cavity.
Subsequently, a polyp biopsy or curettage of the cervix is ​​performed. The material obtained during the procedure is sent to the laboratory for histological examination - its results allow us to judge whether the neoplasm is benign.
In addition, patients undergo additional tests. In particular, it is important to undergo an examination with an endocrinologist, make a biochemical blood test, determine the level of hormones in the blood, and also pass a smear for bacterial culture. All these studies help to determine the cause of the formation of the polyp, which is also very important.
What are the dangerous polyps of the cervical canal?
Before considering the main methods of removing the polyp of the cervical canal, it is worth familiarizing yourself with information about why such neoplasms are dangerous. As already mentioned, a polyp is a benign structure. However, in some cases tissue degeneration is possible. That is why in no case should you ignore the doctor’s instructions or go in for self-medication until a complete diagnosis is made - various traditional medicine or even medications, if used improperly, can provoke the process of transformation of cells into malignant neoplasms.
How to remove the polyp?
How is the removal of the cervical canal polyp? The methodology of the procedure here depends on where the neoplasm is located. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the doctor “unscrews” the polyp with the help of surgical instruments, cauterizing after that the place of attachment of his legs.
If the polyp grows too close to the external pharynx of the canal, then its leg is completely excised, after which the curettage of the cervical canal and sometimes the uterus is performed. A hysteroscope is used to remove deeply located polyps.
Polyp of the cervical canal: treatment
During the surgery, the polyp is removed. But you still need to process his bed - the place where the neoplasm leg was attached. Only this can prevent relapse in the future.
For the purpose of processing, a variety of methods are used. In particular, a special drug called “Solkovagin” is used to cauterize the legs of a small polyp. A crust forms at the treatment site, which itself is rejected after a few days.
In addition, quite often, doctors use liquid nitrogen to process the bed. Pathological tissues are affected by ultra-low temperatures - this disrupts the vital processes of cells and leads to their death. But in this case, it is very important to correctly calculate the depth of tissue processing.
In some cases, the affected area of ​​tissue is cauterized using a high-frequency electric current. More gentle and effective today is considered treatment with radio wave exposure.
This is how the polyp of the cervical canal is removed. The operation, however, carries a risk of tissue infection. That is why the patient is prescribed antibacterial drugs before and after the procedure.
Polyp removal using laser therapy methods
Today, methods of laser therapy are becoming increasingly popular, which allow you to quickly get rid of such an unpleasant and dangerous problem as a polyp of the cervical canal. Laser removal has its advantages. The essence of the procedure remains the same, but better and more modern equipment is used. For example, the use of a special camera allows the doctor to conduct a wider examination.
How to remove a cervical canal polyp with a laser? In fact, the tissue evaporates layer by layer under the influence of a laser beam. Moreover, there is instant cauterization of blood vessels, which minimizes the risk of tissue infection. In addition, this technique does not cause scarring of tissues. The procedure lasts no more than 3-4 hours and does not require subsequent hospitalization.
Rehabilitation period
If the removal of the cervical canal polyp is left behind, this does not mean that the treatment is completely finished. The rehabilitation period lasts 3-4 weeks and requires compliance with certain rules. Of course, at first, a woman is faced with postoperative discomfort, in particular profuse mucous secretions (sometimes with blood impurities), as well as mild pulling pains in the lower abdomen.
In the first month after removal of the neoplasm, you can not have sex. In addition, during this period, any physical activity is contraindicated, including weight lifting and training in the gym. During menstruation, you need to use pads - you will have to forget about tampons for a while. Also, do not arbitrarily douche - if there is a need for such a procedure, the doctor will inform you. And, of course, you should refuse to visit baths and saunas, as well as taking hot baths - you need to wash only in the shower.
Sometimes during the procedure it is not possible to completely remove the polyp leg. In such cases, the likelihood of relapse is high. That is why it is extremely important to find out what exactly caused the appearance of the polyp and provide the patient with appropriate preventive therapy. For example, if the neoplasm was the result of endocrine disorders, then women are prescribed hormonal drugs. Depending on the primary cause of polyp growth, therapy during the rehabilitation period can be supplemented with antibacterial or antiviral agents.
Cervical canal polyp: removal, patient reviews about the procedure
Of course, many women have already gone through similar procedures. And today, patients are interested in questions about what constitutes a polyp of the cervical canal (removal, reviews also interest them). According to statistics, using the methods of modern medicine, it is quite easy to eliminate such neoplasms. Reviews about the procedure are mostly positive. She does not take much time and does not require long hospitalization. Of course, in the first few days there is a little discomfort, and even soreness, which, however, is easily stopped by painkillers. The main thing, patients say, after the procedure, carefully adhere to the doctor’s recommendations and regularly undergo preventive examinations.
Preventive actions
Unfortunately, drugs that can permanently eliminate the risk of neoplasms in the reproductive system do not exist. However, sometimes it’s much easier to prevent the development of the disease than then agree to remove the cervical canal polyp. First of all, women are advised to carefully monitor personal hygiene. In addition, you should not skip scheduled preventive examinations by a gynecologist - this will give the doctor the opportunity to diagnose present violations on time. And, of course, all diseases of the reproductive and endocrine systems must be treated on time.
Traditional methods of treating polyps
Of course, traditional medicine offers a lot of own funds that can get rid of such a problem as a polyp of the cervical canal. Treatment in this case is carried out using the means that can be found in every home. For example, garlic swabs are considered quite effective. First you need to chop a few cloves of garlic, wrap the resulting gruel in gauze, forming a tampon. Attach a long thread to one end. Insert the swab deep into the vagina and leave it overnight. But do not forget that garlic juice can damage the vaginal mucosa. Therefore, before starting such treatment, be sure to consult a doctor.