Polypectomy

Polyps are masses, lumps, tumours or growths sticking out or protruding from a mucous membrane. They are often benign (innocent/non-cancerous) but they can sometimes represent a malignant (cancerous) lesion. Although mostly benign, doctors will usually recommend that they are removed and sent for histological analysis to confirm that they do not represent any sinister disease process.

This is an endocervical (inside the cervical canal) polyp which has grown out onto the outer cervix

This is another endocervical (inside the cervical canal) polyp

This is an ectocervical (outer surface of the cervical canal) polyp

A large, solitary endometrial polyp distending the endometrial cavity

The endometrial cavity distended by multiple endometrial polyps

Multiple endometrial polyps. Histological analysis revealed endometrial cancer

A urethral caruncle with underlying urethral prolapse. The caruncle is a form of polyp

A polypoid bladder lesion. A biopsy was taken. Histological analysis revealed it to be a transitional cell cancer

Symptoms associated with polyps are determined by their location, size and how long they have been present for:

This is the tip of a type of polyp forcep. The polyp is grasped, twisted and avulsed (pulled off)

A bladder polypoid lesion in the process of being biopsied

A resectoscope being used to remove a large endometrial polyp. The resectoscope uses electrical energy

Destruction of the polyp using an energy source (electrical or laser)

All (or a good representation) polyps should be removed and sent for histological analysis to determine the nature of the lesion and to exclude malignancy. This is a form of tissue biopsy.