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When Is a Tumor on the Cervix Not 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.

  1. 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.

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