HOPE

Polyps

Facts about Polyps.

What are they?

Polyps are an outgrowth of the lining of the womb (endometrium). They are usually benign (non-cancerous) but some can be pre-cancerous or cancerous. They can vary in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres.

What are the symptoms?

Often these polyps cause no symptoms but they can cause irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding or spotting between periods. Some women will have bleeding after they have been through the menopause.

What causes them?

The reason some women develop polyps is unknown. They appear to be driven by the hormones from the ovaries. Things that increase the risk of developing polyps include obesity, tamoxifen use or being peri-menopausal.

How are polyps diagnosed?

Sometimes an ultrasound scan can suggest that a polyp may be present. However, a hysteroscopy (examination of the inside of the womb with a thin camera via the vagina) is necessary to confirm the presence of polyps.

How are polyps treated?

Polyps can be removed during a hysteroscopy procedure. This may be carried out while you are awake in the outpatient setting or under a short general anaesthetic (while you are asleep).

Further information

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Hysteroscopy/