Patient's question:
The meaty lobes seem to grow from the vagina, tender pink in color, resembling small tongues, about the size of small watermelon seeds. I am very worried. What kind of assistance is needed: How could the hymen be meaty and pink? Is it really the hymen...Doctor's answer:
The condition you mentioned is considered to be a cervical polyp. A cervical polyp is one of the manifestations of chronic cervical inflammation. There is a type of polyp whose root is attached to the cervix or within the cervical canal. It is formed by local fibrosis of the cervical mucosa under the impact of inflammation, and it protrudes outward from the external cervical orifice. The surface of the polyp is covered by a layer of columnar epithelium, containing cervical glands. The stroma is rich in microvessels and loose connective tissue, accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. This type of polyp can be solitary or multiple, generally small in size, with a diameter of less than 1 centimeter. It appears tongue-shaped, has a bright red color, a soft and fragile texture, and is easily torn. The stalk is thin and long. Another type of cervical polyp recurs in the vaginal part of the cervix, with its surface covered by stratified squamous epithelium. The stroma contains fibrous connective tissue. This type of polyp is superficial, with a weak surface, a wide base, a pale red color, and a relatively tough texture.Once a cervical polyp is detected, it should be surgically removed. Polypectomy is relatively simple: after sterilizing the vagina with povidone-iodine, the polyp's root is grasped with a hemostatic clamp and removed in a jumping motion. The surgery is painless. After the procedure, the wound is treated with semustine powder or with a cotton ball to apply anti-inflammatory medication. If the polyp is large and the stalk is thick, the stump can be cauterized after removal and treated with medication.
Regardless of the size of the removed polyp, a pathological examination should be performed because cervical polyps have a 0.2%–0.4% rate of malignant transformation, although it is very low, it should not be missed due to negligence. Additionally, even after the polyp is removed, the inflammation of the cervix may not be completely eliminated. Therefore, patients need follow-up examinations at irregular intervals. If you experience pain, it is recommended that you undergo a thorough examination, as it will definitely not be a hymen. If there is no pain, it could be a vaginal polyp. Wishing you good health!