Do uterine polyps need to be removed?

Written in association with: Mr Mahantesh Karoshi
Published:
Edited by: Laura Burgess

Uterine polyps, also known as endometrial polyps, are excessive growths found in the uterine lining. The condition may be asymptomatic but when apparent include abnormal bleeding. Leading London gynaecologist Mr Mahantesh Karoshi explains more about whether the small, soft bumps need to be removed.
 

What are the symptoms of uterine polyps?

The size of a uterine polyp can vary, from being as small as a seed to the size of a golf ball. Most polyps are not to be confused with cancer although a small percentage may turn into cancer later on. Symptoms can include:

  • Heavy periods
  • Bleeding in between periods
  • Excessive vaginal discharge
  • Post-coital bleeding
     

The more the number of polyps, the higher the risk of pre-malignant and malignant transformation.
 

Who is most likely to have uterine polyps?

Uterine polyps tend to develop in pre or post-menopausal women.
 

Do uterine polyps need to be removed?

The doctor will likely recommend the removal of the polyp and will send a tissue sample to the laboratory for analysis to check that it is not uterine cancer. A diagnosis is made by a hysteroscopy, a procedure where a thin telescope is inserted into the uterine cavity. This allows the surgeon to look inside the uterus. Following this procedure, and in the majority of cases, patients will be told that the polyps need to be removed.
 

Do uterine polyps affect fertility?

Polyps can cause problems with fertility but it sometimes depends on where it is placed on the cervix. As polyps can stop a woman from getting pregnant or cause a miscarriage, they should be removed if the woman is trying to conceive.
 

How are uterine polyps removed?

Polyp removal is performed using a hysteroscopy or curette, the same instruments used for diagnosis. The polyp can be cut and retrieved at the same time. It is important that the base of the polyp has been completely excised as some studies have shown that the pre-malignant and malignant change can happen at the root of the polyp.

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.

By Mr Mahantesh Karoshi
Obstetrics & gynaecology

Mr Mahantesh Karoshi is a London-based women’s health expert and consultant gynaecologist, with a special interest in ovarian cysts, heavy menstrual bleeding, infertility, fibroids, and adenomyosis. He is currently one of the most highly-rated gynaecologists in London with a very good reputation amongst his patients and peers.

Mr Karoshi's work is recognised internationally, having volunteered in Ethiopia’s Gimbie Hospital, and later receiving the Bernhard Baron Travelling Fellowship from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists which led to his work in the University of Buenos Aires. Here he worked on the techniques needed to surgically manage morbidly adherent placental disorders - a serious condition that can occur in women with multiple caesarean sections.

He believes in an open doctor-patient relationship, being sure to include the patient and educating them so that they understand their condition better and they can be directly involved in their care and management at every stage. Aside from his clinical work, he is actively involved in research, which together with his experience, has given him the opportunity to publish the first stand-alone textbook on postpartum haemorrhage which was launched by HRH Princess Anne.

At the core of Mr Karoshi's practice is a high standard of professionalism where patients are involved in their treatment and where the latest techniques and advancements are used to provide an extremely high level of care.

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