ABSTRACT
The presence of a large area of columnar epithelium on the ectocervix can be associated with excessive mucus secretion, leading to a complaint of vaginal discharge. The appearance of the cervix is termed cervical ectropion or, very inappropriately, a ‘cervical erosion’. The latter term is best avoided, as it conveys quite the wrong impression of what is really a normal phenomenon. Ectropion can be associated with excessive but non-purulent vaginal discharge, as the surface area of columnar epithelium containing mucus-secreting glands is increased. If the discharge associated with cervical ectropion becomes troublesome to the patient, discontinuing the oral contraceptive pill or, alternatively, ablative treatment under local anaesthesia using a thermal probe can reduce it. This treatment involves a metal probe that heats the tissue to around 100 °C,
Benign disease of the uterus may conveniently be classified in terms of the tissue of origin: the uterine cervix, the endometrium or the myometrium.
