The difference between endometrial polyps and endometrial cancer

Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on May 15, 2025
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Endometrial polyps are a benign condition, while endometrial cancer is a malignant tumor. Endometrial polyps are caused by localized excessive growth of the endometrium and can be either solitary or multiple, ranging in diameter from a few millimeters to several centimeters, and can be categorized as pedunculated or sessile. Polyps consist of endometrial glandular tissue, stroma, and blood vessels. They are benign and can be treated with timely curettage or endometrial polyp electroresection, followed by a pathological examination. In cases of endometrial cancer, it is necessary to promptly perform a hysterectomy. Depending on the pathological analysis, further radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be required.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Endometrial polyp removal time

Endometrial polyps require hysteroscopic polypectomy, which is a type of minimally invasive surgery, performed under intravenous anesthesia or general anesthesia. If the polyp is small and the cervical opening is relaxed, the surgery typically concludes within about an hour. After the surgery, the patient can leave the operating room once they regain consciousness. However, if the polyp is located near the uterine corner and the cervix is relaxed, it can complicate the surgical procedure, extending the duration to about one and a half to two hours. Post-surgery, it is important to monitor the patient's bleeding levels.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do uterine polyps cause lower abdominal pain?

Endometrial polyps generally manifest clinically with a shorter menstrual cycle, usually occurring every 20 days or so, and a longer period, typically lasting 8 to 10 days or more before it ends. This is a typical clinical presentation of endometrial polyps, and there is usually no pain in the lower abdomen. However, if there is frequent bleeding and the bleeding lasts for a long time, causing endometrial inflammation, pain in the lower abdomen may occur. If the endometrial polyps are not inflamed, there will be no pain in the lower abdomen. If endometrial polyps are detected, the treatment generally involves performing a polypectomy under hysteroscopy within three to seven days after the end of the menstrual period, followed by anti-inflammatory treatment as appropriate. With simple endometrial polyps, there is no pain in the lower abdomen.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of endometrial polyp malignancy

When endometrial polyps in women undergo malignant transformation, it can lead to a large amount of vaginal discharge. This discharge may be accompanied by a foul odor, which could possibly be due to an associated infection. Additionally, when endometrial polyps undergo malignant transformation and form tumors, their growth rate accelerates, and the blood supply may not meet the growth needs of the polyps. This may lead to localized ulceration and bleeding, causing women to experience irregular vaginal bleeding. This bleeding can manifest as blood streaks in vaginal discharge or as persistent vaginal bleeding. As the tumor gradually enlarges, it increases the pressure in the uterine cavity, leading to abdominal pain in some women.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are endometrial polyps?

Endometrial polyps refer to excessive proliferation of the endometrial lining, forming polyp-like tissues. Patients typically experience irregular vaginal bleeding, primarily manifesting as minor vaginal bleeding after menstrual periods have ended. Upon visiting the hospital and undergoing a vaginal ultrasound examination, a polyp-like tissue can be detected within the uterine cavity. Once identified, a hysteroscopy or diagnostic curettage is required to remove these tissues. Subsequently, a pathological examination must be conducted to clearly determine the cause and nature of the polyps.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to check for endometrial polyps?

Endometrial polyp examinations are generally conducted through ultrasound at hospitals, which can provide a clear diagnosis. The best time for this ultrasound is within three to seven days after the end of menstruation. During this period, the thickness of the endometrium is between three to four millimeters, and the endometrial echo is uniform. If, during this period, the endometrial thickness is greater than four millimeters and the echo suggests unevenness, this generally indicates a high possibility of endometrial polyps. Patients with endometrial polyps typically experience shorter menstrual cycles, usually occurring every 20 days, with longer menstruation periods. Normally, the menstruation period lasts from three to seven days, but in patients with endometrial polyps, it can extend to over eight to ten days. Therefore, through symptoms and ultrasound, it is possible to determine whether there are endometrial polyps.