Uterine Polyp

The endometrium is the lining of the inside of the womb (uterus). Overgrowth of this lining can create polyps. Polyps are fingerlike growths that are attached to the inner wall of the uterus. They can be as small as a sesame seed or larger than a golf ball. There may be just one or many polyps.

uterine polyp

Causes

The exact cause of endometrial polyps is not known. They tend to grow when there is more of the hormone estrogen in the body.

Most endometrial polyps are not cancerous but they can be cancerous or precancerous. The chance of cancer is higher if you are postmenopausal, taking tamoxifen, or have heavy or irregular periods.

Other factors that may increase the risk for endometrial polyps are:

• Obesity

• Tamoxifen or similar medicines used as a treatment for breast cancer

• Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy

• Family history of Lynch syndrome or Cowden syndrome (genetic conditions that run in families)

  
  

Endometrial polyps are common in women between 20 to 40 years of age.

Symptoms

You may not have any symptoms of endometrial polyps.

If you do have symptoms, they may include:

• Menstrual bleeding that is not regular or predictable

• Long or heavy menstrual bleeding

• Bleeding between periods

• Bleeding from the vagina after menopause

• Trouble getting or staying pregnant (infertility)

Tests

Your health care provider may perform these tests to find out if you have endometrial polyps:

• Transvaginal ultrasound

• Hysteroscopy

• Endometrial biopsy

• Hysterosonogram: a specialized type of ultrasound in which fluid is put into the uterine cavity while an ultrasound is performed

• Three-dimensional ultrasound

Treatment

Hysterpscopy is used to view the uterus from inside and simultaneously we remove the poylp in the same sitting. It is a short and painless procedure.

For polyps that are bigger in size, electric cutting of the polyp using an instrument called resectoscope is done.

Hysteroscopic Polyp removal video

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have:

• Menstrual bleeding that is not regular or predictable

• Long or heavy menstrual bleeding

• Bleeding between periods

• Bleeding from the vagina after menopause