Cervical ectropion — DRCOG MCQ

Correct answer: C — Offer local treatment for ectropion after excluding concerning causes

The best answer is “Offer local treatment for ectropion after excluding concerning causes”. A typical cervical ectropion is benign, but persistent troublesome bleeding can be treated locally, for example with cautery, once pregnancy, infection and suspicious cervical pathology have been excluded. Observation or a contraceptive change may also be reasonable depending on symptom burden and preference. Atypical appearance, a mass or otherwise unexplained persistent bleeding would require a different diagnostic pathway rather than routine ectropion treatment. The key distinction is between an investigation suitable for initial risk stratification and a finding that already meets an urgent suspected-cancer pathway. Persistent symptoms, postmenopausal bleeding, a suspicious mass or relevant family history must not be dismissed by one reassuring test. Referral and subsequent imaging or tissue diagnosis answer different stages of the pathway.

Reference: Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Cervical ectropion: https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/cervical-ectropion/