Decidual reaction of the cervix; a review of 27 cases.

Decidual reaction of the cervix is a benign growth produced by the hormones of pregnancy. These reactions or changes in the cervix are present in about 20 per cent of normal pregnant women. They may look like cancer but are not cancer. They are benign lesions. Bleeding is a common symptom and may occur at any stage of pregnancy. The presence of decidual reaction does not predispose to spontaneous miscarriage. In most cases no treatment is required; in a few light cauterization may be needed to control bleeding. Any suspicious lesion should be biopsied to rule out malignancy. By microscopic examination any experienced pathologist can differentiate a decidual reaction from cancer. The consensus of opinion is to let the pregnant woman deliver, normally, with this benign lesion, for it disappears after the baby is born. If cancer is found during pregnancy, it should be actively treated.