The glandular endometrial polyp is a fairly common pathology of the female reproductive system. She is usually diagnosed in young girls. This neoplasm is not characterized by typical symptoms, therefore, the fair sex is in no hurry to consult a doctor. The lack of timely therapy can result in infertility or the transformation of the polyp into a malignant tumor. In our article, we will try to understand why these neoplasms develop, what treatment methods modern medicine offers.
Features of the pathological process
To begin with, you should consider the structure of the female genital organ. The uterus consists of three layers: external serous, middle muscle and internal. The latter is otherwise called endometrium and is a mucous membrane. It is this layer, as a rule, that attracts the attention of gynecologists.
The endometrium consists of integumentary epithelium and the base with glands - stroma. They constantly produce secretions with an alkaline reaction, but their amount varies from the phase of the female cycle. During menstruation, only the integumentary epithelium is separated. The stroma always remains and serves as a source of future mucosal regeneration in the first half of the cycle.
A polyp is a tumor formation. Its development is most often preceded by uterine hyperplasia. Focal growth of its mucous membrane leads to the formation of a polyp. Therefore, it has a structure similar to endometrium - fibrous tissue and glands. From here we can distinguish the following varieties of benign neoplasms:
- glandular;
- fibrous;
- glandular fibrous polyp.
In the structure of the outgrowth, it is customary to distinguish between the body and the leg, which is penetrated by the smallest blood vessels. Its dimensions can vary from a few millimeters to 4-5 cm. In its form, the neoplasm resembles a small mushroom.
In this article, we will consider in detail the causes and methods of treating the glandular polyp, since this type of pathology is most often diagnosed. A favorite place for its localization is the area of the bottom or corners of the uterus.
Why does the disease occur?
Modern medicine cannot name the exact causes of the neoplasm. Therefore, she only has to make assumptions. It is unequivocally established that the glandular polyp develops against the background of hormonal changes in the body of a woman. The outgrowth gives a peculiar response to the effects of estrogen, repeating the reaction of the inner layer of the uterus. Disruption of the hormonal background can be of two types: absolute and relative. In the first case, the amount of estrogen produced increases due to ovarian tumor or persistence of follicles. With relative hyperestrogenism, hormone levels may remain normal. However, pathology develops due to a decrease in the antiestrogenic effect of progesterone with insufficient production.
Doctors also distinguish a group of factors, the presence of which increases the likelihood of a benign formation. These include:
- frequent abortions;
- diabetes;
- physical inactivity;
- overweight;
- inflammatory diseases of the genitals.
Glandular fibrous polyp often develops in women with mental disorders.
First symptoms
Non-hormonal neoplasms practically do not manifest themselves. Violations can be accompanied by minor intermenstrual bleeding. When the polyp is a consequence of an infectious process in the body, the disease proceeds in the form of a sluggish inflammation.
Hormonal neoplasms, resulting from hyperplasia, are manifested by increased menstrual bleeding. Therefore, gradually, such patients develop iron deficiency anemia. If the polyp is larger than 2 cm, discomfort during intimacy is not ruled out. Complaints of cramping pain are extremely rare.
The pathology described in the article has no characteristic symptoms. If one or more of the symptoms listed above appears, consult a doctor. Treatment should be started immediately, since in 3% of cases, the glandular polyp is prone to malignancy.
Medical examination plan
A standard examination of a woman on a gynecological chair is often uninformative. The doctor cannot confirm the pathology based solely on its external manifestations. The main screening includes the following methods of instrumental diagnostics:
- Ultrasound (the information content of the study is about 98%).
- Study of uterine cavity aspirate (used to exclude the malignant nature of the neoplasm).
- Hysteroscopy (helps assess the location and size of the polyp).
- Diagnostic curettage (allows you to determine the type of neoplasm).
Based on the results of the examination, the gynecologist gives recommendations on therapy.
How to treat a disease?
The only treatment option is the removal of the glandular polyp. The operation is performed under general or local anesthesia. During the procedure, the doctor first expands the uterine cavity, and then removes the neoplasm hysteroscopically. If there are several, the curettage procedure is recommended. After surgery, the damaged areas of the uterus are cauterized with liquid nitrogen to prevent endometritis.
Recovery usually goes smoothly. During the first 10 days after the operation, small spotting is possible. During this period, it is better to abandon intimate contacts. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics. All drugs, as well as the duration of their use, are selected individually.
Is medication exclusively possible? The glandular endometrial polyp is sometimes treated with hormonal drugs. However, this method is acceptable only if the young woman is to become a mother in the future. In addition, no change should be present in the aspirate biopsy. After 40 years, such therapy is undesirable, since at this age the likelihood of developing cancer processes increases.
Treatment after removal of the glandular polyp
The success of the operation is not a guarantee of no relapse in the future. The reason for this is the hormonal changes in the body of a woman, which led to the development of pathology. Such processes can contribute to the re-formation of polyps.
What treatment is required in this case? As a rule, a woman is prescribed medications of the progesterone group. They can reduce estrogen levels, eliminate the cause of the disease. Also, after the operation, it is necessary to undergo preventive examinations by a gynecologist once a year. If within 12 months there are no signs of relapse, the patient is removed from the dispensary.
Possible complications
Treatment of glandular fibrous polyps should begin immediately after confirmation of the diagnosis. In the absence of competent therapy, the occurrence of non-cyclic or regular bleeding is possible. They negatively affect the intimate life of a woman and her well-being.
Polyps during pregnancy are considered especially dangerous. Neoplasms can lead to serious blood loss and premature detachment of the placenta. Another unpleasant complication of the pathology is intrauterine hypoxia of the fetus. Therefore, it is important to undergo a complete medical examination at the planning stage of the baby. In case of detection of serious health problems - a course of therapy.
Preventive measures
A glandular polyp, the treatment of which involves surgical intervention, is a fairly common pathology. To avoid such health problems, a woman should follow these recommendations:
- timely treat gynecological diseases;
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- use contraception, prevent abortion;
- to undergo a routine examination by a gynecologist twice a year.
There is no specific prophylaxis of pathology. If you experience suspicious symptoms, you should immediately seek help from a doctor. Self-medication is not recommended. Timely detection and removal of the glandular polyp of the endometrium avoids complications in the future.