Diseases of the female reproductive system are always quite dangerous. Endometrial polyposis is no exception. However, in some situations, such a disease is not a threat, in others it requires immediate treatment.
What is the endometrium?
Endometrium refers to special epithelial cells that cover the inner surface of the uterus. A feature of this tissue is the ability to thicken in the last days of the menstrual cycle. During this period, blood supply also becomes more saturated. All this is necessary so that the embryo can reliably strengthen in the body cavity. If conception does not occur, then some of the cells disappear. They are excreted from the body with the onset of menstruation. In the subsequent cycle, the endometrium is restored again.
Types of Polyps
Often, on the endometrium, neoplasms that look like a nodule (on the leg) can be observed. This is polyposis of the uterine endometrium . The size of the formations can be up to several centimeters. There are several of their types. In the tissues of the glands, glandular polyps are diagnosed. Fibrous can form in connective cells. Both types can also combine - these are the so-called glandular-fibrous polyps. There is another group of neoplasms - adenomatous. In this case, atypical cells are present in the structure . Specialists sometimes call this disease a precancerous condition. Most often, endometrial polyposis is diagnosed in women after 35 years. However, today you can find this disease in adolescents and young women. Sometimes patients are not even aware of the presence of polyps.
Endometrial polyposis. Causes of occurrence
The specific causes of the disease are unknown. However, experts identify a number of factors that can provoke this condition. First of all, these are hormonal disorders. Such changes are observed with an overabundance of estrogen and an insufficient amount of progesterone. The next possible cause is mechanical damage to the uterine cavity. This can happen due to abortions. Also, increased endometrial blood vessels, which are located in the uterine cavity, can provoke endometrial polyposis. Infectious diseases, heredity - this can also cause a similar disease. Also at risk are people with diabetes, and those who are overweight.
Symptomatology
Often, the polyp does not manifest itself, and the woman does not even suspect about its presence. As a rule, the disease is diagnosed by accident (when examined by ultrasound). But specific symptoms may also appear. It is worth paying attention to the abundant periods, as well as any blood discharge in the middle of the cycle. Irregular menstruation is another symptom of the disease. If the polyp is large (more than 2 cm), then specific pain is possible. Also, a woman often experiences unpleasant feelings during sex. If bleeding occurs after menopause, the specialist may suspect the presence of neoplasms.
Endometrial polyposis and pregnancy are also associated. As a rule, a woman cannot conceive a child with this diagnosis. A polyp in the body behaves like an intrauterine device, that is, it does not allow a fertilized egg to gain a foothold in the body cavity. It can also block the fallopian tube, while sperm cannot get inside.
How is polyposis diagnosed?
During a routine examination, a polyp cannot be detected at the doctor (unless its size is so large that it extends beyond the uterine cavity). Typically, endometrial polyposis is diagnosed by ultrasound. In this case, the localization of the neoplasm, its size is detected, and the state of the surrounding tissues is also evaluated. There are times when the polyp is not clearly visible. In such situations, hysteroscopy is necessary. The essence of this method is to introduce a camera and a special device into the uterus. With such a study, the doctor can see the entire cavity of the organ. Hysteroscopy makes it possible to select a piece of the endometrium for further analysis, as well as remove polyps. To confirm the diagnosis, histological studies are necessary .
What are the therapies
Hyperplasia, endometrial polyposis - all these conditions require timely treatment. Removing the polyp is the only way to get rid of the problem. Surgery is carried out by two methods. Curettage is a procedure that is performed under local or general anesthesia. The organ area expands with a special tool, and the polyp is removed along with the leg. This is an important point, since the rest of it can grow back. If the number of neoplasms is large (endometrial polyposis), then the walls of the uterus are scraped. Such manipulation can damage the organ, so there is an alternative option - removal with a hysteroscope. Such an operation is rather delicate, the polyp is removed clearly and correctly (along with the base). The camera gives you the opportunity to fully control surgical intervention.
Postoperative Recovery
With a disease such as endometrial polyposis, treatment is also required after the operation. Immediately after removing the polyp, a specialist can cauterize its base with liquid nitrogen. This is necessary so that in the future the growth of the neoplasm does not resume. Hormone therapy is also prescribed. It is not used in a number of cases: a fibrous polyp type, with diabetes, hypertension, a regular cycle. The selection of drugs is carried out individually, the gynecologist takes into account the presence of other diseases, and the woman's desire to become pregnant. As a rule, in the postoperative period, the patient is prescribed antibiotics (to exclude inflammatory processes).
Also in the first weeks, a low-calorie diet and lack of sexual contact are recommended. Without fail, all removed tissue is sent for further examination. If atypical cells are found in them, then an oncologist's consultation is already needed. In some cases, when detecting malignant processes, a specialist may prescribe removal of the uterus. It is also important to remember that if endometrial polyposis is diagnosed, treatment with folk remedies is inappropriate.
What is the danger of untimely treatment of polyps
Often there are cases that after diagnosis and all necessary studies, a woman postpones treatment for an indefinite period. Polyposis is considered a mild disease and does not take it seriously enough. However, the main danger of such formations is that over time they can degenerate into malignant. In addition, menstrual irregularities, copious discharge also bring a lot of inconvenience. Large blood loss can cause anemia.
Problems arise during the conception of a child. But if pregnancy does occur, there remains a huge risk of termination. Neoplasms significantly disrupt the structure of the endometrium, therefore, a fertilized egg can not properly fix. Due to bleeding that results from this disease, placental abruption may occur. Given all these points, if a woman is diagnosed with "endometrial polyposis", treatment requires immediate and qualified.
Prevention methods
In order to reduce the risk of the disease, regular visits by a gynecologist are necessary. All inflammatory or infectious processes should be treated in a timely manner. Caring for your health will bear fruit. Experts recommend choosing the right contraception and planning the conception of a child. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of abortions, which can cause a condition such as endometrial polyposis. Any malfunctioning of the body should immediately alert the woman. If a problem is found, it is undesirable and dangerous to postpone a visit to the doctor.