Uterine polyps are common and there can be more than one polyp in the uterine cavity. Sometimes small submucosal fibroids grow on a stalk and present as uterine polyps (see fact sheet on Fibroids). Polyps are prone to bleeding and large polyps can contribute to infertility and miscarriage.

What percentage of uterine polyps are cancerous?

Conclusions: The risk of endometrial cancer in women with endometrial polyps is 1.3%, while cancers confined to a polyp were found in only 0.3%. The risk is greatest in postmenopausal women with vaginal bleeding.

Do polyps in the uterus need to be removed?

However, polyps should be treated if they cause heavy bleeding during menstrual periods, or if they are suspected to be precancerous or cancerous. They should be removed if they cause problems during pregnancy, such as a miscarriage, or result in infertility in women who want to become pregnant.