Cervical polyp. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a polyp from a woman's cervix. The cervix is the internal opening leading from the vagina into the uterus. Polyps are benign (non-cancerous) growths that occur on mucous membranes, such as in the uterus. Cervical polyps are surgically removed if they grow or cause symptoms, or if it is thought that they are developing into a malignant tumour (cancer). Magnification: x850, when printed 15 centimetres wide.