Endometrial polyps / uterine polyps is a projection of tissue (lump) in the inner lining of the uterus. They are usually benign and harmless and rarely malignant, though larger ones may be precancerous and cancerous.
Polyps usually form in organs with legions of blood vessels, like the colon and uterus. Detection by normal ultrasound can be difficult. Uterine polyps can be detected by sonohysterogram (water ultrasound).
Polyps cases peak between ages 40 and 50 years, but many cases occur in menopausal women. Only fewer than 1% of cases, polyps are associated with cancer.
Symptoms: Intermenstrual bleeding, excessive bleeding, spotting after intercourse.
Because most polyps are small, they usually do not cause any symptoms. If the polyps interfere with sperms or eggs, it might make it hard to get pregnant.
Multiple case reports indicate that tamoxifen treatment (breast cancer treatment) may stimulate the development and growth of endometrial polyps.
Polyps can be removed by performing D & C ( Dilation and cutterage), but the cutterage method may miss the polyps because this method is mainly performed buy feel. The use of a hysterescope allows polyps to be removed through the cervix visually. If the polyps is found to be cancerous, a hysterectomy can be performed. Hysterectomy is the procedure to completely remove the uterus.
After treatment
After removal of the polyps, the patient can return to work after a few days. Spotting may occur for a few days. Polyps may recur years after treatment, but recurrence is usually rare.
Some risk factors of polyps are:
1. Obesity
2. High blood pressure
3. Tamoxifen (breast cancer treatment drug)
