Benign lesions of the cervix refer to non-cancerous growths or conditions affecting the cervix, which may cause symptoms like vaginal discharge, postcoital bleeding, or pelvic pain.
Types of Benign Cervical Lesions
1. Cervical Ectopy (Eversion)
- Definition:
- Displacement of columnar epithelium of the endocervix onto the ectocervix.
- Etiology:
- Hormonal changes
during puberty, pregnancy, or oral
contraceptive use.
- Symptoms:
- Mucopurulent
vaginal discharge
- Postcoital bleeding
- Diagnosis:
- Speculum
examination –
Appears as a red area around the
external os.
2. Cervical Polyp
- Definition:
- Benign,
pedunculated growth of endocervical epithelium.
- Etiology:
- Chronic
cervicitis
- Hormonal
influence
- Symptoms:
- Postcoital
bleeding
- Abnormal vaginal
discharge
- Diagnosis:
- Speculum
examination –
Small, red, fragile growth protruding
from the cervical canal.
3. Nabothian Cysts
- Definition:
- Mucus-filled
retention cysts
in the cervix due to blockage of endocervical
glands.
- Etiology:
- Healing process
of chronic cervicitis
- Symptoms:
- Usually asymptomatic
- Diagnosis:
- Speculum
examination –
Small, translucent or white cystic
lesions on the cervix
4. Cervical Fibroids
(Leiomyomas of the Cervix)
- Definition:
- Benign smooth
muscle tumors of the cervix.
- Symptoms:
- Pelvic pressure
symptoms
- Heavy menstrual
bleeding
- Urinary symptoms
(if large)
- Diagnosis:
- Pelvic
ultrasound
Clinical Features of Benign Cervical Lesions
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Postcoital bleeding
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Intermenstrual bleeding
Investigations
- Speculum Examination – Visualizes cervical lesions.
- Colposcopy – For detailed cervical examination.
- Pap Smear – To rule out malignancy.
- Ultrasound (USG) – For deeper cervical lesions.
- Cervical Biopsy – Confirms diagnosis in suspicious
cases.
Treatment & Management
- Observation (for asymptomatic cases)
- Cryotherapy or
Electrocautery
(for symptomatic ectopy)
- Polypectomy (for cervical polyps)
- Surgical Removal
(Myomectomy/Hysterectomy) (for large fibroids)
- Regular Follow-Up & Screening
Keynote Symptoms of Benign Cervical Lesions
1.
Abnormal vaginal discharge
(mucopurulent, foul-smelling, or blood-tinged)
2.
Postcoital bleeding due to
cervical erosion or polyps
3.
Pain or discomfort in the lower
abdomen and pelvic region
4.
Cervical hypertrophy or
ulceration
5.
Menstrual irregularities, such as
prolonged spotting or intermenstrual bleeding
1. Hydrastis Canadensis
Indications:
- Chronic cervicitis with
thick, yellow, stringy vaginal discharge
- Cervical polyps with
excessive leucorrhea and erosion
Keynote Symptoms:
- Thick, ropy, yellow leucorrhea with
offensive odor.
- Sensation of weakness in the pelvic
region.
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse.
- Better with rest, worse from touch or
exertion.
- Suitable for women with general
debility and low immunity.
2. Sepia
Indications:
- Cervical erosion with
excessive, milky, or greenish vaginal discharge
- Uterine prolapse or
bearing-down sensation in the pelvic region
Keynote Symptoms:
- Feeling of heaviness in the lower
abdomen as if something is falling out.
- Vaginal dryness and pain during
intercourse.
- Leucorrhea is yellow-green and
excoriating.
- Aversion to sex and feeling of
exhaustion.
- Worse from standing for long periods,
better from vigorous exercise.
3. Kreosotum
Indications:
- Cervical ectropion with highly
offensive, corrosive vaginal discharge
- Postcoital bleeding and
burning pain in the vagina
Keynote Symptoms:
- Leucorrhea is yellowish, excoriating,
and causes itching.
- Burning sensation in the genital
region.
- Profuse bleeding between periods.
- Offensive-smelling vaginal discharge,
resembling meat washings.
- Worse at night and from sexual
intercourse.
4. Nitric Acidum
Indications:
- Cervical ulcers with sharp,
splinter-like pain
- Bleeding from even the
slightest touch of the cervix
Keynote Symptoms:
- Vaginal discharge is offensive,
irritating, and yellow-green.
- Intense pain during intercourse.
- Bleeding easily from minor irritation.
- Cracks and ulcerations in the cervical
region.
- Worse from cold air, washing, and at
night.
5. Thuja Occidentalis
Indications:
- Cervical warts (HPV-related
growths) and chronic cervicitis
- Leucorrhea with
foul-smelling, fishy odor
Keynote Symptoms:
- Cervical growths that bleed easily.
- Offensive leucorrhea with a fishy
odor.
- History of excessive use of hormonal
medications.
- Worse from damp weather, sexual
intercourse.
- Better from warmth and dry conditions.
