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Endometrial polyp
Can endometrial polyps heal by themselves?
Some endometrial polyps are self-healing, so not all endometrial polyps require surgical treatment. This is often because endometrial polyps are related to recent endocrine states, and some can be managed with hormonal medications, while others may be expelled during a menstrual period. Therefore, if the endometrial polyp does not cause any symptoms, such as abnormal bleeding, impact on pregnancy, or is large enough to cause infertility, it is possible to observe regularly without immediate diagnostic curettage surgery.
Benign characteristics of endometrial polyps
If a woman is diagnosed with endometrial polyps, then the condition is benign. If there are symptoms such as irregular vaginal bleeding, increased menstrual flow, or prolonged menstruation, endometrial polyps should be considered. It is advised to undergo diagnostic curettage or hysteroscopic endometrial polyp electrosurgical resection, and the removed tissue should be sent for pathological examination. Whether it is benign or malignant is mainly determined by the pathological examination as the final diagnostic basis. If confirmed as endometrial polyps, then it is benign. If precancerous lesions are present or if it is confirmed as malignant tumor, the case will be described in detail.
What department should I go to for endometrial polyps?
Endometrial polyps can typically be diagnosed and treated at the gynecology department of a hospital. Patients should register at the gynecology department, and the doctor will schedule a hysteroscopy. Under hysteroscopy, the surgery to remove the endometrial polyp can be performed. This surgery is generally done within three to seven days after the end of menstrual bleeding. After the removal, the polyp can be sent for pathology to check if there is any tendency towards malignancy. Normally, most polyps are benign. After the removal, oral anti-inflammatory medications are usually prescribed as symptomatic treatment. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for one month, and oral anti-inflammatory medications can be taken within the first week. Patients who have had a polyp removed should seek re-examination if excessive bleeding occurs, and since endometrial polyps are prone to recurrence, annual check-ups are essential.
Symptoms of endometrial polyp malignancy
When endometrial polyps in women undergo malignant transformation, it can lead to a large amount of vaginal discharge. This discharge may be accompanied by a foul odor, which could possibly be due to an associated infection. Additionally, when endometrial polyps undergo malignant transformation and form tumors, their growth rate accelerates, and the blood supply may not meet the growth needs of the polyps. This may lead to localized ulceration and bleeding, causing women to experience irregular vaginal bleeding. This bleeding can manifest as blood streaks in vaginal discharge or as persistent vaginal bleeding. As the tumor gradually enlarges, it increases the pressure in the uterine cavity, leading to abdominal pain in some women.
ultrasonographic appearance of endometrial polyps
Under normal circumstances, the diagnosis of endometrial polyps is usually determined clearly by performing an ultrasound at the hospital. Normally, the endometrial line is continuous. There is a specific thickness to the endometrium. Typically, a thickness of 3-4mm in the endometrium at the end of menstruation is considered normal. During ovulation, the thickness of the endometrium is 8mm. Before menstruation starts, the endometrial thickness is generally more than 10mm. If it is within this range, it is generally considered normal. If there is an increase in endometrial thickness and the echo of the endometrium is not continuous, and the endometrial echo is uneven, in most cases, endometrial polyps are suspected. The diagnosis of endometrial polyps can generally be clearly determined through color Doppler ultrasound. This diagnosis is not difficult. Once endometrial polyps are clearly diagnosed by ultrasound, they can be removed by hysteroscopic polypectomy at the hospital.
How to regulate endometrial polyps
Patients with endometrial polyps, if they want to manage their condition, the majority is due to an infection. This is because the recurrence of endometrial polyps can occur during endometrial inflammation. The treatment for endometrial polyps generally requires hysteroscopic polypectomy at a hospital for symptomatic treatment. Patients with endometrial polyps generally experience menstrual disorders. Therefore, when managing, it is crucial to be aware that endometrial polyps can easily recur. Prevention of infection must be emphasized during management. Furthermore, endometrial polyps can lead to changes in menstruation. This generally affects fertility. Thus, after hysteroscopic polypectomy for endometrial polyps, it is essential to properly manage inflammation and provide appropriate treatment. Intercourse should be avoided within a month after the polyp removal surgery. If there are any abnormal conditions, it is necessary to seek hospital treatment for symptomatic management.
The difference between endometritis and endometrial cancer.
Endometritis falls under the category of inflammation and its general clinical treatment primarily involves anti-inflammatory treatment. Endometrial cancer, on the other hand, is a malignant tumor of the uterus and differs in prognosis and treatment. The preferred treatment for endometrial cancer is surgical. If the patient has missed the opportunity for surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy can be administered, with the aim of extending the patient’s life as much as possible. Compared to endometritis, which is relatively mild, endometrial cancer has a more significant impact.
Can uterine polyps disappear on their own?
Endometrial polyps are generally located in the uterine cavity. Some endometrial polyps may be expelled during menstruation, as each menstrual period involves the shedding of the endometrial lining, causing some small polyps to disappear after menstruation. However, if the endometrial polyps persist and are relatively large, causing irregular bleeding, excessive menstrual flow, or affecting pregnancy, it might be necessary to perform a hysteroscopy for examination and treatment, and to send samples for pathological testing.
Endometrial polyps in unmarried women, what to do?
What to do about endometrial polyps if unmarried? If endometrial polyps are discovered, the first thing to determine is whether they need to be treated. If your polyps are small and do not affect you, causing no issues like abnormal menstruation, then regular ultrasound rechecks are sufficient. However, if there are numerous or large polyps, or if they cause persistent abnormal menstrual bleeding, treatment is recommended. The primary treatment method would be endometrial polyp removal via hysteroscopy. Of course, if you really prefer not to have surgery, conservative treatment and observation for a couple of months could be considered first. If medication is ineffective, surgery might be necessary. With hysteroscopic surgery, instruments are inserted through the opening of your hymen, directly into the cervix to view and remove the polyps, which can be done without damaging the hymen or affecting you.
How to check for endometrial polyps?
Endometrial polyp examinations are generally conducted through ultrasound at hospitals, which can provide a clear diagnosis. The best time for this ultrasound is within three to seven days after the end of menstruation. During this period, the thickness of the endometrium is between three to four millimeters, and the endometrial echo is uniform. If, during this period, the endometrial thickness is greater than four millimeters and the echo suggests unevenness, this generally indicates a high possibility of endometrial polyps. Patients with endometrial polyps typically experience shorter menstrual cycles, usually occurring every 20 days, with longer menstruation periods. Normally, the menstruation period lasts from three to seven days, but in patients with endometrial polyps, it can extend to over eight to ten days. Therefore, through symptoms and ultrasound, it is possible to determine whether there are endometrial polyps.