Endocervical polyp

by Emily Goebel, MD FRCPC
September 2, 2025

An endocervical polyp is a noncancerous growth in the cervix. These growths develop inside the endocervical canal, which is the passage that connects the uterus to the vagina.

Polyps are made of mucus-producing endocervical glands and supporting tissue called stroma. They are called polyps because they project outward from the surface, creating a finger-like or rounded shape that can sometimes be seen during a pelvic examination.

Endocervical polyps are very common, especially in people between the ages of 30 and 50, and they are often found by chance during a routine Pap test or cervical exam.

What are the symptoms of an endocervical polyp?

Many people with endocervical polyps have no symptoms at all.

When symptoms are present, they may include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, which may occur after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause.

• Vaginal discharge, which may be clear, yellow, or blood-tinged.

• Bleeding noticed during a Pap test or pelvic exam.

Although these symptoms may be bothersome, endocervical polyps themselves are not dangerous.

What causes endocervical polyps?

The exact cause is not fully understood. Polyps are thought to develop when endocervical glands overgrow in response to chronic inflammation, hormonal changes, or local irritation of the cervix. They are more common in people who have had children, in those with high levels of estrogen, and in people with a history of cervical infections.

How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis of an endocervical polyp is usually made when the polyp is removed and sent to a pathologist for examination under the microscope. Sometimes, polyps are removed because they cause symptoms, and other times they are removed simply because they were found during a routine examination.

What does an endocervical polyp look like under the microscope?

Under the microscope, endocervical polyps are made of large mucus-producing glands surrounded by stroma. The stroma often contains many blood vessels, which may have thicker walls than normal. In some cases, endocervical polyps also contain endometrial glands, which are normally found inside the uterus. When both types of glands are present, the growth is called a mixed endocervical and endometrial polyp. Like typical endocervical polyps, this type is also benign.

Can an endocervical polyp become cancer?

In rare cases, precancerous changes or cancers can develop inside an endocervical polyp. For this reason, all polyps that are removed are carefully examined under the microscope by a pathologist.

During this examination, your pathologist will also look for other conditions that can occur in the cervix, including:

• Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL).

• High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL).

• HPV associated squamous cell carcinoma.

If precancerous or cancerous changes are found in a polyp, they will be listed in the pathology report, along with recommendations for follow-up and treatment.

How are endocervical polyps treated?

Most endocervical polyps are treated by removing them during a pelvic exam. Removal is usually simple, quick, and performed in the doctor’s office. If the polyp causes no symptoms, sometimes no treatment is needed. Because polyps can occasionally recur, follow-up may be recommended, especially if symptoms return.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Was the polyp completely removed?

• Did the pathology report show any precancerous or cancerous changes?

• Do I need further follow-up or treatment?

• What should I do if I notice symptoms such as bleeding or discharge again?