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Endometrial polyp
Causes of endometrial polyps
There are many causes of endometrial polyps. One is the excessive secretion of estrogen in the body, leading to an uneven distribution of hormone levels. Furthermore, long-term use of health products and hormone medications can stimulate their development, as can gynecological inflammations from events like abortion, childbirth, or surgical procedures, all of which can lead to the formation of endometrial polyps. Additionally, high blood pressure and obesity are also high-risk factors for endometrial polyps. Therefore, it’s crucial to carry out a timely hysteroscopic examination once endometrial polyps are detected. This examination should take place three to seven days after menstruation at a hospital. If the polyps are larger than one centimeter in diameter, or if there is continuous vaginal bleeding, an immediate hysteroscopic polypectomy is necessary.
Can endometrial polyps heal by themselves?
Firstly, endometrial polyps cannot heal on their own. There are many causes of endometrial polyps, one being excessive levels of estrogen in the body; another is long-term gynecological inflammation stimulation, such as from abortions or childbirth surgical procedures, which can lead to the formation of endometrial polyps; furthermore, high blood pressure and obesity are also high-risk factors for endometrial polyps. Therefore, once endometrial polyps occur, this condition cannot heal on its own. It requires a hysteroscopic examination three to seven days after menstruation has ended to confirm if it is indeed an endometrial polyp. If confirmed as an endometrial polyp, further hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy is needed, followed by further pathological examination after the surgery.
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.