[Cervical polyps and diagnostic curettages (author's transl)]

The early detection of carcinoma of the cervix is successful due to the systematic cytologic and colposcopic examination of the largest number of women possible. In cases with endocervical polyps a diagnostic curettage is customarily done along with removal of the polyp. The curettage which requires admission to hospital and carrie a risk of operative complications is an extensive procedure for the diagnosis of a cervical polyp. Because of the high accuracy of cytologic and colposcopic diagnosis it is suggested to omit the curettage in the management of non-bleeding polyps in the premenopausal woman. The asymptomatic polyp should be followed by cytology or office removal with obligatory histologic examination. Follow-up cytology of the cervical canal is necessary.