Is the Cervical Opening a Round Fleshy Ball?

Update Date: 2024-06-07 Source: Network

The uterus of an adult female resembles an inverted pear shape and can be divided into the uterine body, cervix, and fundus. The upper orifice of the cervix leads to the uterine cavity, while the lower orifice leads to the vagina. It is important to note that the cervix is not a round fleshy mass. In general, the cervical os of women who have not undergone childbirth is circular, while the os of women who have given birth appears as a linear slit.

The uterus of an adult female, shaped like an inverted pear, comprises three parts: the uterine body, fundus, and cervix. The internal cavity of the uterus is relatively narrow, with the upper portion known as the uterine cavity located within the uterine body and the lower portion, called the cervical canal, situated within the cervix. The upper orifice of the cervical canal connects to the uterine cavity, while the lower orifice leads to the vagina. In women who have not undergone childbirth, the os of the uterus is circular with smooth and even edges. However, after childbirth, the os appears as a transverse fissure, resembling a linear slit.

A round fleshy mass could potentially be a cervical neoplasm, depending on whether it protrudes externally or remains within the surface of the cervix. If it protrudes externally, it is referred to as a cervical neoplasm, which could manifest as cervical polyps, endometriosis, condyloma acuminatum, or other conditions. Conversely, if the mass is embedded within the cervical mucosa, it could be a cervical nabothian cyst. Cervical polyps are the most common type of cervical neoplasm and often result from chronic inflammation that chronically stimulates local mucosal hyperplasia in the cervical canal. As the uterus has a certain degree of rejection, the hyperplastic mucosa gradually protrudes from the base towards the external os of the cervix, eventually forming polyps. These polyps can be singular or multiple, ranging in color from pink to red, and have a tongue-like appearance with a diameter of approximately 1cm. Due to their soft and fragile nature, they may cause minor bleeding during sexual intercourse or contact. In some cases, they may also have a stalk. It is crucial to distinguish these symptoms from those associated with malignant cervical conditions such as cervical cancer. Cervical polyps should be excised and sent for pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis.

Another type of fleshy mass is a cervical gland cyst, which is embedded beneath the cervical mucosa. It appears as a small, blue or bluish-white cyst containing clear mucus. This cyst forms when the newly formed squamous epithelium blocks the glands of the cervical canal during cervical erosion, preventing the secretion of glandular fluid and resulting in cyst formation. These conditions are generally benign, and cervical gland cysts do not require any treatment or intervention. However, it is recommended to undergo annual TCT and HPV screenings for cancer prevention, excluding the possibility of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions.