The difference between endometrial polyps and endometrial cancer

Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on May 15, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
42sec home-news-image

The difference between endometritis and endometrial cancer.

Endometritis falls under the category of inflammation and its general clinical treatment primarily involves anti-inflammatory treatment. Endometrial cancer, on the other hand, is a malignant tumor of the uterus and differs in prognosis and treatment. The preferred treatment for endometrial cancer is surgical. If the patient has missed the opportunity for surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy can be administered, with the aim of extending the patient’s life as much as possible. Compared to endometritis, which is relatively mild, endometrial cancer has a more significant impact.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 3sec home-news-image

Do uterine polyps require surgery?

Endometrial polyps are caused by excessive growth of the endometrial lining, and can be single or multiple, with diameters ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They can be pedunculated or sessile. Endometrial polyps smaller than one centimeter in diameter, if asymptomatic, have a natural resolution rate of about 27% within a year and a low rate of malignancy. If the polyp is large, greater than one centimeter, it requires hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy or curettage. However, curettage has disadvantages, as it can easily miss polyps, and there is a high chance of recurrence after the surgery. Therefore, once an endometrial polyp larger than one centimeter is identified, it is advisable to promptly visit a hospital for examination and treatment. Postoperative treatment should be guided based on the pathological findings.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
1min 2sec home-news-image

Endometrial polyp pain sensation

Do endometrial polyps feel painful? Generally, endometrial polyps do not cause any pain unless there is malignant transformation. In such cases, one might experience discomfort or a dragging pain in the lower abdomen. How are endometrial polyps typically diagnosed? They are diagnosed due to clear changes such as excessively heavy menstrual flow. An ultrasound can reveal polyps, or if the menstrual flow is too heavy, a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure is performed, and the material removed is sent for pathological examination to confirm the presence of endometrial polyps. If the polyp is small, it can be left alone as 27% of them resolve on their own. However, if the polyp is large and causes changes in menstruation or affects fertility, a hysteroscopy is necessary.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
51sec home-news-image

Can you have intercourse with endometrial polyps?

Endometrial polyps do not prevent sexual intercourse. This is because endometrial polyps are located within the uterine cavity, and sexual intercourse generally affects the vulva, vagina, and cervix. As long as these organs do not have any pathological changes, sexual intercourse is generally possible because the polyps inside the uterine cavity are not contacted during intercourse. Therefore, intercourse does not significantly affect the presence of polyps and can occur. However, if endometrial polyps are discovered, it is crucial to undergo early surgical treatment, which can be done through hysteroscopy or diagnostic curettage, as the polyps can grow larger over time.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
48sec home-news-image

Benign characteristics of endometrial polyps

If a woman is diagnosed with endometrial polyps, then the condition is benign. If there are symptoms such as irregular vaginal bleeding, increased menstrual flow, or prolonged menstruation, endometrial polyps should be considered. It is advised to undergo diagnostic curettage or hysteroscopic endometrial polyp electrosurgical resection, and the removed tissue should be sent for pathological examination. Whether it is benign or malignant is mainly determined by the pathological examination as the final diagnostic basis. If confirmed as endometrial polyps, then it is benign. If precancerous lesions are present or if it is confirmed as malignant tumor, the case will be described in detail.