Should I be worried about a uterine polyp?

Should I be worried about a uterine polyp?

ANSWER: It is rare for uterine polyps to be cancerous. If they aren’t causing problems, monitoring the polyps over time is a reasonable approach. If you develop symptoms, such as abnormal bleeding, however, then the polyps should be removed and evaluated to confirm that there is no evidence of cancer.

What does a polyp in uterus look like?

They are attached to the endometrium by a thin stalk or a broad base and extend inward into the uterus. The polyps may be round or oval, and range in size from a few millimeters (the size of a sesame seed) to a few centimeters (the size of a golf ball), or larger. There may be one or several polyps present.

Do polyps in the uterus need to be removed?

Removal occurs on a day-case basis without an overnight stay in a hospital. Once removed, however, there is a chance that it can recur and the patient may need to have the treatment more than once. If the polyps contain cancerous cells, removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) is necessary.

Are polyps in uterus common?

Uterine polyps are common and there can be more than one polyp in the uterine cavity. Sometimes small submucosal fibroids grow on a stalk and present as uterine polyps (see fact sheet on Fibroids). Polyps are prone to bleeding and large polyps can contribute to infertility and miscarriage.

What happens if you don’t remove uterine polyps?

Uterine polyps, once removed, can recur. It’s possible that you might need to undergo treatment more than once if you experience recurring uterine polyps. If the polyps are found to contain precancerous or cancerous cells, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may become necessary.

When should a uterine polyp be removed?

If you’re menstruating, let your doctor know the date of your last period. A uterine polyp removal procedure is normally scheduled after menstrual bleeding has stopped and before you begin ovulation. This is about 1 to 10 days after your period.

Are uterine polyps usually cancerous?

Overgrowth of cells in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) leads to the formation of uterine polyps, also known as endometrial polyps. These polyps are usually noncancerous (benign), although some can be cancerous or can eventually turn into cancer (precancerous polyps).

Will uterine polyps go away?

In premenopausal women, polyps often go away on their own and may require no additional treatment if you are not having symptoms and have no other risk factors. In some cases, uterine polyps are precancerous and need to be removed.