Endometrial Polyps

Learn more about endometrial polyps and how they are treated.

Overview

Endometrial polyps are abnormal growths of endometrial tissue attached to the lining of the uterus.

Endometrial polyps (also known as uterine polyps) are small growths of endometrial tissue that attach to the lining of your uterus. You can think of them as skin tags on the uterus.

These polyps are fairly common and, in many cases, do not cause any symptoms. Most polyps are non-cancerous (benign).

However, endometrial polyps are often associated with infertility. Removal of the polyps can increase your chances of conceiving.

In up to 12 per cent of cases, endometrial polyps may contain cancerous or pre-cancerous cells. The likelihood of a polyp being cancer increases with age, the severity of symptoms, the size of the polyp and whether you have taken tamoxifen (to treat breast cancer).

Our care

Learn more about the specialized care provided at Mount Sinai Hospital for Gynaecology.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. It does not replace the need for consultation with a health-care professional. Please speak with your health-care professional for questions about your health.

Symptoms

Endometrial polyps do not cause noticeable symptoms and are not associated with pelvic pain, bloating or bowel or bladder issues.

The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This can include heavy or prolonged periods, bleeding between periods or bleeding after menopause.

Diagnosis

If you have symptoms of endometrial polyps, a gynaecologist will use a pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound to make the diagnosis.

In some cases, a more advanced ultrasound called a sonohysterogram might also be needed.

Depending on your risk factors, the gynaecologist might also recommend an endometrial biopsy. This is a simple procedure that can be done in our clinic. A thin tube is inserted into the opening of your uterus through your vagina. The tube is used to collect small samples of tissue that will be examined by a pathologist to see if there are cancerous or precancerous cells. 

Treatment

Depending on your specific needs, treatment for endometrial polyps will fall into one of the following two categories.

Expectant management of polyps

When symptoms are mild and the risk of cancer is low, endometrial polyps can be left untreated.

Some small polyps may disappear on their own with time.

Surgical management of polyps

If symptoms are bothering you, or there is a higher risk of cancer, surgery may be recommended.

A hysteroscopic polypectomy is a common minimally invasive surgical procedure used for removing endometrial polyps. It can often be performed in a medical office without sedation.

The surgery does not require any incisions. It involves the use of a hysteroscope which is an instrument inserted into the uterus through the vagina.

The hysteroscope has a camera that allows your gynaecologist to see your polyps and remove them at the same time.

Most patients can go home on the same day as their surgery.