Can uterine polyps be left untreated?

Can uterine polyps be left untreated?

Small uterine polyps are often asymptomatic, and can come and go on their own (2, 7). Some untreated polyps, however, may cause symptoms that affect quality of life and can lead to complications such as anemia (20).

When should endometrial polyps be removed?

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.

Should I be worried about endometrial polyps?

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 percentage of endometrial polyps are cancerous?

Conclusions: The risk of endometrial cancer in women with endometrial polyps is 1.3%, while cancers confined to a polyp were found in only 0.3%. The risk is greatest in postmenopausal women with vaginal bleeding.

What is the average size of a uterine polyp?

Uterine polyps range in size from a few millimeters — no larger than a sesame seed — to several centimeters — golf-ball-size or larger. They attach to the uterine wall by a large base or a thin stalk.

How bad is uterine polyps?

Uterine, or endometrial, polyps grow from the uterus wall into the cavity and can be as small as a sesame seed or larger than a golf ball. Most uterine polyps are benign (noncancerous) but, in rare cases, can be or become malignant (cancerous).

What size endometrial polyp is considered large?

In postmenopausal women, polyps usually present with bleeding or discharge accounting for 24.3%. The most common size of polyp is less than 2 cm, and those greater than 4 cm are called giant polyps.

Do endometrial polyps cause pain?

Endometrial polyps may be completely asymptomatic, or can cause symptoms like heavy periods or bleeding between periods; occasionally, large endometrial polyps can cause menstrual-type cramps, since the uterus is naturally designed to expel anything inside of it.

Can a doctor tell if a uterine polyp is cancerous by looking at it?

While using the hysteroscope to look at the interior of the uterus, the doctor uses a curette to scrape the lining and remove any polyps. The polyps may be sent to a laboratory to determine whether they are benign or cancerous. This technique is effective for smaller polyps.

What happens if a cervical polyp is cancerous?

If a polyp is cancerous, further treatment is likely to be necessary. The treatment will depend on the type of cancer. Sometimes, cervical polyps may come away from the cervix on their own. This can happen during menstruation or sexual intercourse.

What is the recovery time after uterine polyp removal?

The typical recovery time after the removal of uterine polyps through dilation and curettage is a few days, according to Mayo Clinic. Immediately following the operation, patients may need to rest for a few hours in a recovery room to allow the effects of the general anesthesia to wear off.

What to expect after uterine polyp removal?

Uterine polyp removal normally improves symptoms. However, you may have some bleeding or pain after your procedure. Complications from a uterine polyp removal procedure include infection. A sign of this is a pain or an odor coming from the area. Call your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms of an infection.

Can an endometrial polyp dissolve on its own?

An endometrial polyp may go away on its own without treatment. If it does not go away, causes discomfort, or gets larger, it may need to be removed. A procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C) is usually used to remove endometrial polyps. During a D&C, your healthcare provider will remove tissue from your uterus.

What happens after uterine polyp removal?

Removal of uterine polyps may cause some minor cramping and bleeding immediately after the procedure. Complications resulting from the hysteroscopy are rare but include perforation of the uterus, bleeding, infection, damage to the urinary or digestive tract, and negative reactions to anesthesia, according to eMedicineHealth.