Endometrial polyps are small growths inside the uterus that are almost always benign (non-cancerous). However, they can cause a lot of abnormal and heavy bleeding, because they irritate the lining of the uterus. For more information about endometrial polyps, click here to go to monograph section.

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Large Endometrial Polyp Taken During Vaginal Ultrasound
This patient complained of 8-9 days of very heavy (but regular) menstrual bleeding and anemia for the past year. She is in her 30s and desired more children.

This is a photo of an endometrial polyp taken during saline-infusion vaginal ultrasound. The polyp is about the size of a #2 pencil eraser, and is attached by a broad stalk to the top wall of the uterus. A smaller polyp is marked; it is just past the opening of the cervix (called the internal os). The uterus is shaped like a pear, with the small end towards the right of this picture. The uterine cavity, called the endometrial cavity, is usually flat. Here it has been distended with less than an ounce of sterile water so that we can see inside. As the water goes in, the polyp becomes obvious. I treated this patient with an outpatient procedure called hysteroscopy, which resolved her heavy menstrual bleeding.

Large Polyps Taken During Separate Hysteroscopic Surgeries
Image "A" is a photo taken during hysteroscopy. The photo shows tiny scissors cutting the polyp free from the uterine wall. The polyp is about the size of a pencil eraser. For another photo please scroll down.