Top 4 uterine polyps cancer symptoms
What is a uterine polyp? It is a small growth that forms on the inner wall of the uterus. The polyps are formed from the endometrial lining of the uterus, which is why they are also known as endometrial polyps. The polyps are usually very small in size. Around 10–24% of women experience uterine polyps at some point, and they are more common in women between 40–60 years. Polyps can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Uterine polyps cancer symptoms include irregular bleeding, spotting between periods, pressure in the lower abdomen, and more.
Symptoms of uterine polyp cancer often go unnoticed in its early stages because the polyps are too small to show any signs. The growth is usually silent and painless. The uterine polyps symptoms are often mistaken for hormonal imbalance, and since there is no standard screening for uterine polyps, they are usually found accidentally during an ultrasound or infertility checkup.
Here are the top 5 uterine polyps symptoms that are cancerous in detail:
Top 4 Uterine polyps cancer symptoms
Irregular periods
A person suffering from uterine polyp cancer may experience periods that come earlier, are heavier, or occur later than usual, along with unpredictable bleeding patterns. More than sixty per cent of women experience the same symptoms and often have them misdiagnosed as PCOS. In some cases, women also experience spotting between periods, especially after physical activity or intercourse.
Infertility
Many women suffering from infertility discover polyps while undergoing advanced infertility tests. This is because polyps interfere with embryo implantation, making it difficult for the uterus to carry a pregnancy.
Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge, sometimes mixed with blood and having an unpleasant odour, may also uterine polyps or cancer. This occurs due to necrosis (tissue death) within a cancerous polyp.
Pelvic Pain and Pressure
Polyps cause constant pressure, cramping, and a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic region or lower abdomen. This happens due to the growth of a cancerous polyp.
Fatigue or Weight Loss
Heavy blood loss during periods can cause iron-deficiency anaemia, leading to tiredness, dizziness, and pale skin. Furthermore, unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite can appear as systemic cancer symptoms.
Problems like hormonal changes can also cause these uterine polyps cancer symptoms. Here are a few guidelines from the best gynaecologists in Nagpur at Medigrace Hospital: if you fall into this category and experience these symptoms, consult a gynaecologist, as you may be suffering from uterine polyp cancer and uterine polyp removal is necessary. Even though only 1–3% of uterine polyps become cancerous, the risk rises to 10–12% in postmenopausal women.
- You are over 50 years old or experiencing postmenopausal
- Already suffering from PCOS, obesity or have higher estrogen levels.
- History of tamoxifen use or endometrial hyperplasia
- Family history of uterine or colon cancer (especially Lynch Syndrome)
Uterine Polyps Cancer Treatment
At Medigrace Hospital, the best IVF centre in Nagpur, various uterine polyp removal treatments are available to manage and treat uterine polyp cancer symptoms. Before proceeding with surgery, a hysteroscopy is performed to diagnose the condition, followed by a biopsy to confirm if the polyp is cancerous. Once confirmed, a total hysterectomy, the standard treatment is carried out, in which the uterus, and in some cases the ovaries and fallopian tubes, are surgically removed to ensure complete treatment and prevent recurrence.
If the cancer has spread beyond the uterus, other medical treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, are performed. According to many studies, surgery combined with adjuvant therapy has a 5-year survival rate exceeding 80% for early-stage disease.
Conclusion
Heavy bleeding, infertility, spotting, vaginal discharge, pain, and abnormal uterine bleeding are the top uterine polyps cancer symptoms. These symptoms are often mistaken for other problems, which can allow the polyps to grow unnoticed. Women suffering from PCOS, those with a family history of uterine or endometrial cancer, women over 50, and those experiencing postmenopausal bleeding should take immediate action if these symptoms appear. Consult the best gynaecologists at Medigrace Hospital, Nagpur Dr. Rasika and Dr. Pawan, who specialise in laparoscopic surgery. They use advanced 3D laparoscopic and hysteroscopic techniques to remove both benign and precancerous uterine polyps with precision and minimal downtime, ensuring uterine health and fertility safety.
FAQs
Endometrial biopsy test results can tell if the uterine polyps are cancerous or not.
The most significant and early symptoms of uterine cancer are pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding and more.
The cancerous polyps are treated with surgery through Hysteroscopy or through personalised treatments.
Endometrial cancer is known as the early stage of uterine cancer, where women can experience cramps, irregular periods, and pelvic pain.
