When Is a Tumor on the Cervix Not Cancer?

Most women who have tumors on their cervix do not have cancer.

The majority of tumors on the cervix are not cancerous. According to the National Cancer Institute, only 8.2 percent of women in the United States develop cervical cancer. There are several non-cancerous growths that can develop on the cervix, including polyps, cysts, fibroids and warts.

Polyps

Cervical polyps grow from the mucus membrane of the cervix. These growths are often infected and so many women must take antibiotics after their polyps are removed. However, once removed, the polyps usually don't return.

Cysts

Cervical cysts are mucus-filled growths. They normally don't cause any pain or other symptoms and don't require any treatment.

Fibroids

Cervical fibroids develop in the muscular wall of the cervix. They are difficult to remove without eliminating tissue in the surrounding area.

Warts

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts can grow on the cervix and often appear as single white bumps or as a cluster of bumps. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the HPV strains that cause genital warts are not the same types responsible for cervical cancer.

Pap and Pelvic

The Mayo Clinic says having regular PAP smears and pelvic exams will help detect cervical abnormalities.

References

• National Cancer Institute: Cervical Cancer SEER Incidence Data
• Centers for Disease Control: Genital HPV Infection Fact Sheet
• Mayo Clinic: Pelvic Exam

Resources

• National Institutes of Health: Cervical Polyps
• Mayo Clinic: Cervical Cysts: Can They Be Cancerous?
• womenshealthlondon.org.uk: Fibroids