Your pathology report for microglandular hyperplasia of the cervix

By Jason Wasserman MD PhD FRCPC
September 9, 2024

Microglandular hyperplasia is a noncancerous condition of the cervix. It happens when the glandular cells in the cervix grow in greater numbers than usual and form many small, crowded glands. The word hyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of cells within the glands. This condition is harmless and is most often discovered by chance when a sample of tissue is removed from the cervix and examined under the microscope.

What are the symptoms of microglandular hyperplasia?

Most people with microglandular hyperplasia do not experience any symptoms. The condition is usually found during a routine pelvic exam, Pap test, or biopsy performed for another reason.

Rarely, if the area of hyperplasia is large, it may cause mild pelvic discomfort or irregular vaginal bleeding. However, these symptoms are uncommon, and most people with this condition feel completely well.

What causes microglandular hyperplasia?

Microglandular hyperplasia is often associated with hormonal changes. It is most frequently seen in people who are pregnant or who use hormonal birth control. Increased levels of hormones, especially progesterone, are thought to stimulate the growth of the glandular cells in the cervix.

This is considered a normal response to hormones. Importantly, microglandular hyperplasia is not linked to precancerous changes or cancer, and having this condition does not increase your risk of developing cervical cancer in the future.

How is this diagnosis made?

The diagnosis of microglandular hyperplasia is usually made when a biopsy or tissue sample from the cervix is examined under the microscope by a pathologist. Most of the time, the biopsy was taken for another reason, such as investigating abnormal bleeding or an abnormal Pap test result.

Once the features of microglandular hyperplasia are seen under the microscope, no additional testing is usually needed.

What are the microscopic features of microglandular hyperplasia?

When examined under the microscope, microglandular hyperplasia is seen as many small, closely packed glands in the cervix. These glands are lined by columnar epithelial cells, which are the same mucus-producing cells normally found in the cervix. The glands are often filled with mucus, and the tissue around the glands may show mild inflammation.

Most importantly, there are no cancerous changes in the cells. This confirms that the condition is completely benign.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • Was microglandular hyperplasia the only finding in my biopsy?

  • Do I need any further treatment or follow-up for this condition?

  • Could my medications, birth control, or pregnancy be related to this finding?

  • Were there any other changes in my cervix that I should be aware of?

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