Removal of Endometrial Polyps
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Removal of Endometrial Polyps
Overview
Endometrial Polyps or Uterine polyps are benign tissues that develop on the inner uterine walls. They are usually very small in size. They originate from the overgrowth of cells in the endometrial layer. There can be one or many polyps, and they grow in varying sizes. The smaller the size of the polyps, the lesser symptoms they show. However, they should be treated without delay since they may undergo cancerous changes.
About Removal of Endometrial Polyps
Removal of Endometrial Polyps
The growth of endometrial or uterine polyps is quite normal in women. Usually, women going through or who completed menopause develop these tissues. This condition affects younger women too, but not as often. Even though these polyps are mostly non-cancerous, removing them is most advisable.
In some women, the presence of these polyps prevents them from conceiving. Since the polyps do not allow the embryo to attach to the uterus. In such cases, removing the polyps will allow them to get pregnant. However, this is not the case with all infertile women. Moreover, these polyps can cause miscarriages or go through cancerous changes.
No conclusive factors are causing Endometrial (Uterine) polyps. However, a variety of reasons can contribute to this condition in women.
Here are some factors that cause the development of these polyps:
- Oestrogen imbalance in the body, since the polyps are
- hormone-sensitive
- Circulation of oestrogen leads to surplus cell growth
- Being pre- or post-menopausal
- High blood pressure or hypertension
- Obesity
- Drug consumption
- Cowden or Lynch syndrome in the family lineage
Below are some symptoms of Endometrial Polyps you need to know:
- Irregular menstrual flow
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Bleeding after menopause
- Bleeding or spotting between menstrual cycles
- Extreme pain or cramps during menstruation
- Infertility
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. The presence of uterine polyps is diagnosed in any of the following ways:
- Transvaginal Ultrasound: This procedure involves injecting a tube-like device into the cervix. The device emits ultrasound waves, which generate an image of the uterine cavity. The doctor identifies the polyps by examining the image created. They appear as clotted tissues.
- Hysterosonography: Another similar method which involves injecting saline solution through a tube into the cervix. The fluid enlarges the uterus and creates a clearer image of the vagina in the ultrasound.
- Hysteroscopy: This procedure uses a device called hysterocscope. It has a scope and a camera at one end, which is injected into the cervix. This helps to examine the entire uterus.
- Endometrial Biopsy: The doctor inserts a suction pipe through the cervix. The tube collects a sample for lab examination. Mostly, the biopsy diagnoses and confirms uterine polyps. However, sometimes it fails to identify the polyp.
Uterine polyps are mostly benign. Occasionally, the precancerous phases of the uterus or uterine cancer itself look like polyps. It is recommended to remove the polyp and take necessary tests to ensure you do not have cancer.
Since most of the polyps are very small, they heal on their own. If you do not experience any symptoms, there is no need to worry about their presence. However, if you encounter issues with your health or fear cancer, it is better to remove them. There are two ways to getting rid of the polyps medically:
- Medication: Some hormonal agonists such as gonadotrophin-releasing medicines suppress the production of oestrogen and progesterone. These medicines can help reduce the symptoms. However, this is not long-term solution, since the symptoms may persist if stop taking the medicine.
- Surgery: Hysteroscopy and Curettage are the surgical methods to remove the polyps. The hysteroscope, is also used to discard the uterine polyps. After the surgical procedure, you may experience light bleeding, cramps and fluid discharge for a few days.
If you have cancerous cells, the doctor will inform you about the treatment to proceed with further. Otherwise, you can get rid of them immediately by any of the above techniques. However, these uterine polyps seldom reappear.