An endometrial polyp is a small formation on the inner wall of the uterine mucosa. Attachment to the uterine wall occurs with the help of a special leg, consisting of blood vessels. Polyps can be single or multiple. Multiple formation of polyps is called polyposis. The size of the formations can vary from 2 millimeters to 2 centimeters, this variation is due to the ability of the endometrial cells to grow excessively. Education is classified as benign. The polyp in its structure completely corresponds to the structure of the endometrium, but sometimes there are cases of differences in the cellular or glandular composition, but in this case they also speak of a benign formation. To exclude oncology, a remote polyp is examined for cancer cells.
Causes of Polyps
If you find an endometrial polyp, the reasons may be as follows. The disease is diagnosed most often in women 40-50 years old, so doctors tend to associate their formation with a hormonal imbalance in the body with a simultaneously occurring focus of infection in the uterus. Numerous abortions contribute to the formation of polyps, as a result of which the inner wall of the uterus is injured.
How is the endometrial polyp manifested?
As mentioned above, it is possible to detect an endometrial polyp at a routine examination. Polyps that have grown to large sizes can manifest themselves as follows:
- spotting a few days before and after menstruation;
- sudden bleeding in the middle of the cycle ;
- various kinds of discharge after the onset of menopause;
- the absence of a planned pregnancy with regular sex life.
If you want to prevent an endometrial polyp, the symptoms listed above should be an occasion to see a doctor.
What tests will help diagnose the presence of polyps in the uterus?
Conventional ultrasound diagnostics are not suitable for detecting polyps in the uterine cavity, this type of examination can determine the presence of polyps if they have grown and have gone beyond it. To determine them in the uterine cavity, an ultrasound examination helps with the use of contrast solutions that are previously introduced into the cavity through a catheter. If an endometrial polyp is detected, it is undesirable to remove it “by touch” in order to avoid additional foci of damage. Hysteroscopy offers the most gentle method of removal, in which it is possible to determine the location of the polyp attachment with maximum accuracy and remove it with minimal trauma to the uterine wall. After the procedure, the removed polyp is sent for histological examination, the purpose of which is to identify the structure of the neoplasm and the presence of cancer cells.
Tactics for the treatment of endometrial polyps
Conservative methods of treatment with hormonal drugs do not have a therapeutic effect, polyps can be eliminated only with the help of hysteroscopy. If for any reason a woman of childbearing age refuses this method of removal and agrees to “cure” the walls of the uterus, she should be prepared for the re-formation and growth of polyps. The "curettage" procedure is indicated for women during menopause, since at this time the endometrial polyps are most often combined with its hyperplasia.
After removal of the polyps, a woman is prescribed hormonal treatment, which is aimed, first of all, at preventing repeated formations and gives a woman of childbearing age a chance to become pregnant.
If the treatment did not give a result and the polyps formed again, an ablation of the endometrium (absolute disposal of the inner layer of the uterus) is performed. After this procedure, pregnancy is impossible, therefore it is carried out during the menopause.
If the histological analysis showed the presence of cancer cells in the polyp, an operation is performed to remove the uterus.