Common Misdiagnoses of Cervical Polyps

Cervical polyps are growths or tumors found on the the uterine cervix. The cervix is the organ that provides entry to the uterus from the vagina. Although cervical polyps are usually benign, in rare cases a polyp may be symptomatic of cervical cancer. Most polyps occur singly, but some women have been diagnosed with two or more at a time.

Cervical polyps often arise due to an inflammation of the cervix and may also develop after a chronic infection of either the cervix or vagina. Polyps are most commonly found among women over 20 who have given birth. Symptoms of cervical polyps may include unusual vaginal bleeding or blood in the vaginal discharge. Bleeding after intercourse or during or/after menopause may also be a sign of cervical polyps.

Because cervical polyps can be indicative of something more serious, including STDs and cervical cancer, it is important that the condition and any underlying condition is appropriately diagnosed.

Diagnosing Cervical Polyps

When diagnosing a cervical polyp, a doctor will take the patient's medical and sexual history before completing a physical and pelvic examination. The pelvic exam generally entails the physician using a speculum to assess the patient's reproductive organs. Afterward, a sample is taken to test for any sexually transmitted diseases that may be present. Additionally, a pap smear is performed to test for cervical cancer.

Upon a proper diagnosis, the doctor usually removes the polyp in a simple outpatient procedure. Sometimes a gentle twisting of the polyp will remove it. Following a removal the patient may experience slight bleeding and some discomfort. After the polyp is removed, the sample is checked beneath a microscope to determine if there are any cancer cells. In the rare case that cervical cancer is detected, treatment will depend on both the patient's health as well as the advanced stage of the cancer. If the cancer is invasive squamous cells, measures such as radiation, chemotherapy and even a hysterectomy may be necessary.

Misdiagnoses of Cervical Polyps

Diagnosis may be missed or delayed if the polyps are mistaken for other conditions or diseases such as certain STDs (like gonorrhea), uterine cancer, non-gonococcal urethritis or even cervical cancer itself. If the polyps are not symptoms of cancer but are treated as cancer, the treatment itself may harm the patient. Conversely, if the condition is not properly or timely diagnosed, and there is underlying cancer, the cancer will grow unchecked.

Talk with an Attorney

If you have been harmed from a misdiagnosis of cervical polyps, you may recover damages arising from the malpractice. These damages include economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Talk with an experienced medical malpractice attorney to discuss your case.