Can endometrial polyps be misdiagnosed?

Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Endometrial polyps can be misdiagnosed as they are caused by excessive proliferation of the endometrial lining. Clinically, the thickness of the endometrium varies throughout the menstrual cycle. Typically, just before menstruation, the endometrium is quite thick. As a result, some women might notice that their endometrium appears thick, resembling a polyp. If such a condition is observed, it is advisable to wait until after a menstrual period when the endometrium has shed before undergoing an ultrasound examination. If it is indeed an endometrial polyp, it will not shed with the menstrual flow. If it’s just thickened endometrium, it will resolve after menstruation. Therefore, it is essential to perform an ultrasound after menstruation to confirm if it is an endometrial polyp. If the polyp persists after a clean menstrual cycle, it can be diagnosed definitively.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
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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.

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Do uterine polyps require surgery?

Endometrial polyps require surgery. Patients with endometrial polyps generally have clinical symptoms, mainly characterized by irregular vaginal bleeding. This can be a small amount of bleeding after menstruation has ended, or extended periods during menstruation. In such cases, a hysteroscopy or diagnostic curettage is needed to remove these polyps. Relatively speaking, hysteroscopy is more accurate and has fewer side effects after surgery, but its disadvantage is the higher cost. The goal of both is to remove the endometrial polyps and then send them for pathological examination.

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Endometrial polyp removal time

Endometrial polyps require hysteroscopic polypectomy, which is a type of minimally invasive surgery, performed under intravenous anesthesia or general anesthesia. If the polyp is small and the cervical opening is relaxed, the surgery typically concludes within about an hour. After the surgery, the patient can leave the operating room once they regain consciousness. However, if the polyp is located near the uterine corner and the cervix is relaxed, it can complicate the surgical procedure, extending the duration to about one and a half to two hours. Post-surgery, it is important to monitor the patient's bleeding levels.

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Symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia polyps

If endometrial hyperplasia and polyps are present, there may be an increase in menstrual flow and an extension of the menstrual cycle. This is because if many polyps grow on the endometrium, it will increase the surface area of the endometrium, leading to increased menstrual bleeding. Therefore, it is recommended that such patients should go to the hospital in time for examination and treatment. If there are many polyps affecting daily life and reproductive function, a hysteroscopic examination is necessary. Under hysteroscopy, endometrial polyps can also be removed. Therefore, it is advised to seek medical examination as soon as possible.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should I do about endometrial polyps?

Endometrial polyps, if diagnosed, are generally treated within 3 to 7 days after the end of menstruation. You can go to the hospital to have the polyps removed under hysteroscopy. Postoperative anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatment is then sufficient. The removed polyps should be sent for pathology analysis, and based on the pathology results, an appropriate treatment method can be selected. Generally, most endometrial polyps are benign, with a very small percentage having a tendency to become malignant. Endometrial polyps are prone to recurrence, so it is essential to undergo proper anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatment after the removal of endometrial polyps. The diagnosis of endometrial polyps generally requires a hospital visit for a color Doppler ultrasound. After menstruation, if the ultrasound shows thickened endometrial echoes or uneven echoes, most can be diagnosed through this ultrasound. Treatment can only be performed surgically.