Cervical polyps are benign tumors from the endocervical epithelium, presenting in various shapes and colors. They are primarily covered by endocervical epithelium, which may undergo squamous metaplasia, while the stroma comprises loose fibrous tissue with glands. Additionally, pre-invasive and invasive stages of cervical neoplasia and carcinoma are characterized by specific macroscopic and microscopic features, with invasive carcinoma displaying irregular nests of neoplastic squamous epithelium.

1. Macroscopic and microscopic features – Benign stage
Cervical polyps
They are benign
tumors arising
from the
endocervical
epithelium & may
be smooth reddish
protrusion in the
cervix.
 Cervical polyps may vary in size, shape,
and origin.
 They can present as single or multiple,
tear-shaped or lobular, cherry-red or
greyish-white in color.
 Depending on the vascularity of the
lesion
Macroscopic Microscopic
 Most cervical polyps are endocervical polyps
and are covered with endocervical
epithelium which may show squamous
metaplasia.
 Less frequently, the covering is by squamous
epithelium of the portio vaginalis.
 The stroma of the polyp is composed of loose
and oedematous fibrous tissue with
endocervical glands.

2. Macroscopic and microscopic features - Pre-invasive stage
Cervical
intraepithelial
neoplasia
Macroscopic Microscopic
 Also known as Cervical Dysplasia.
 That could potentially lead to
cervical cancer

3. Macroscopic and microscopic features – Invasive stage
Macroscopic
 Invasive cervical carcinoma may present 3
types of patterns:
• Fungating
• Ulcerating
• Infiltrating
 The fungating or exophytic pattern appearing
as cauliflower-like growth infiltrating the
adjacent vaginal wall is the most common
type.
Normal cervix
Cervical cancer

4. Microscopic
 Microscopically, invasive SCC
(squamous cervical carcinoma) is
characterized by infiltrating nests of
neoplastic squamous epithelium in the
stroma.
 These nests typically display an
irregular, angulated shape, and may
demonstrate increased cytoplasmic
keratinization (so-called paradoxical
maturation).
Normal cervix
Abnormal cervix