The cervix, or opening of the womb, is shaped like a volcano with a surface and a tube leading into the womb. The surface is usually smooth. Harmless growths called polyps and cysts occur in some women. these can cause some changes to the surface of the cervix.

Polyps are small lumps thought to be caused by an irritation to the cervix. They grow from the tube part of the cervix. Bleeding with sex or having a discharge are the only signs that these polyps are present. You would not be able to feel these during sex or self exam. If you have these signs and polyps are found, they are easily removed by your healthcare provider. They may return in the future but are perfectly harmless in young women. After menopause, these harmless polyps are rare. If they occur in later life, they may be a sign of a serious problem in the womb. In this case, a closer exam, including a look within the womb, would be necessary.

Cysts are different than polyps. Cysts form on the cervix for no clear reasons. There can be one or many cysts. They are filled with mucous from the glands of the cervix. On occasion, they can get big enough to be felt as a soft round lump on the cervix with self exam. There is no need for treatment unless the cysts are large in size. Then a laser or freezing probe may be used for treatment. Often cysts go away without any treatment.

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