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What is Cervical Erosion?

By Tracee Cornforth, About.com

Updated: March 24, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Question: What is Cervical Erosion?
Answer: Cervical erosion is a normal condition that occurs when the squamous epithelial cells grow out of the cervix and form an inflamed, red, velvet-type area that looks eroded and infected. The normal cervix has a narrow passage called the os which is lined with glandular cells that secret mucus; the rest of the cervical surface is lined with flat, epithelial, cells on the outer surface. While it sounds scary to think that your cervix is eroded, there is no actual erosion.

What are the symptoms of cervical erosion?
What causes cervical erosion?
What is the treatment for cervical erosion?

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