Giant Cervical Polyps: A Clinicopathological Case Series from Derna, Libya

Abstract

Background: Giant cervical polyps are uncommon benign cervical lesions that may present with vaginal bleeding or a protruding vaginal mass and can clinically mimic malignant disease. Objective: To describe the clinical, gross, and histopathological features of three giant cervical polyps diagnosed in Derna, Libya. Methods: This retrospective case series included three cervical polyp specimens submitted to the Noor-Al-Huda Medical Center Pathology Laboratory, Derna, Libya, between January 2024 and July 2025. Clinical and demographic information was obtained from the pathology request information accompanying the specimens. The specimens were fixed in formalin, processed routinely, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and examined microscopically. Giant cervical polyps were defined in accordance with published reports as lesions measuring more than 4 cm in their largest dimension. Results: Three women aged 42–47 years had giant cervical polyps measuring 4.5–5.5 cm in their largest dimension. Presentations included severe vaginal bleeding, menorrhagia, and a protruding vaginal mass. Two lesions arose from the ectocervix and one was described as endocervical in origin. Histologically, the lesions showed benign endocervical-type glands, including cystically dilated glands, within fibrovascular/fibromuscular and edematous stroma. Surface erosion and acute/chronic inflammation were present in one case. No cytological atypia, dysplasia, or malignancy was identified.

Conclusion: Giant cervical polyps are rare and may produce clinically alarming presentations. Careful gross and histopathological evaluation are essential to establish the diagnosis and exclude malignancy. These three cases add clinicopathological observations from a pathology service in Derna, Libya.