Polyps are small benign lesions of the uterus. In most cases, they do not pose a serious threat to life, but in some situations, their intensive growth is fraught with complications, including infertility and uterine bleeding. So why is the endometrial polyp formed , what is it? How is such a disease treated?
Endometrial polyp: what is it?
A polyp is a benign structure formed as a result of intense uncharacteristic growth of endometrial tissues. Neoplasms can be either single or multiple. A characteristic feature is the presence of a leg, with the help of which the growth is attached to the wall of the uterus - this is where the accumulation of vessels is located, due to which the cells are nourished.
Such neoplasms can have different sizes. The endometrial polyp is formed from both glandular and fibrous tissues. There are adenomatous tumors that contain atypical cells - often the presence of such a polyp is equated with a precancerous condition. That is why with such a pathology, a thorough diagnosis is required.
Endometrial polyp: what is it and why is it formed?
In fact, there are many reasons for the formation of such a structure in the uterine cavity. Here are just a few of them.
- Quite often, a polyp develops as a result of a violation of the normal hormonal background, in particular with an increase in estrogen levels and a simultaneous decrease in the amount of progesterone. In addition, the appearance of a polyp may be associated with a malfunction in the functioning of any endocrine gland. For example, women with thyroid disease and diabetes mellitus often suffer from this problem.
- In some cases, the cause is a gynecological procedure, including diagnostic curettage, the installation of an intrauterine device.
- Spontaneous abortion, abortion, and childbirth, in which the placenta was not completely removed, also often lead to the appearance of polyps.
- The disease can be the result of a chronic inflammatory process in any of the pelvic organs.
- A decrease in the body's immune defense, as well as constant stress, can also provoke the growth of such a neoplasm.
Endometrial polyp: what is it and what symptoms are accompanied by?
Immediately it is worth saying that the main signs of the disease depend on the size of the polyps. If the neoplasms are small, then polyposis may not be symptomatic at all. In the future, there is a violation of the menstrual cycle. For example, menstruation becomes more abundant and painful. In addition, often small spotting appears before the onset of menstruation.
The intensive growth of the polyp affects the well-being of patients - they complain of constant pulling pain in the pelvis. Often you can notice uncharacteristic vaginal discharge. As already mentioned, a growing polyp can lead to infertility.
How to treat endometrial polyp?
More often than not, the only possible solution is to remove the polyp surgically. During the operation, the doctor cuts out the necessary tissues, scrapes the mucous membrane of the uterus, and then cauterizes the trail from the neoplasm with liquid nitrogen or a laser beam - this makes it possible to prevent a relapse. Tissues removed during the procedure are sent for analysis to the laboratory - it must be confirmed that there are no atypical cells in the samples. Naturally, it is important to determine the cause of the appearance of such a neoplasm and eliminate the health risk. And since the appearance of these structures is most often associated with hormonal disruptions, appropriate drugs are used in therapy.