Uterine Polyp Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Uterine polyps are lumps attached to the inner wall of the uterus, which can protrude into the uterine cavity. Excessive growth of cells that line the uterus can cause uterine polyps to form.
This condition is also known as endometrial polyps. This type of polyp is generally benign. However, there are several types that can become malignant and cause cancer to form.
Uterine polyps vary in size, from a few millimeters to several centimeters. These polyps are attached to the uterine wall, one or more polyps may appear. Polyps are generally in the uterine cavity, but sometimes they can protrude outside the cervix into the vagina.
Uterine polyps are most commonly found in women who are experiencing menopause or postmenopausal women. However, it is not impossible that women at a younger age can also experience it.
Symptom
Signs and symptoms of uterine polyps usually include:
- Irregular menstrual bleeding. For example, experiencing menstruation that is frequent or not on schedule. Or you can also experience menstruation with an irregular amount of blood or menstrual duration.
- Bleeding in the middle of the menstrual cycle.
- Excess menstrual bleeding.
- Bleeding from the vagina after menopause.
- Infertility
- On the other hand, there are some women with uterine polyps who experience only occasional light bleeding or spotting. A small number of others do not even experience special signs or symptoms.
Reason
Hormonal factors are thought to play a role in the occurrence of this disorder. Uterine polyps are sensitive to estrogen, which means their growth can be affected by the level of estrogen circulating in the body.
Some of the risk factors associated with the occurrence of uterine polyps are:
- Are experiencing menopause or post menopause
- Have high blood pressure
- Obesity
- Undergoing certain classes of treatment for the treatment of breast cancer
Diagnosis
If the doctor suspects that someone has the possibility of experiencing uterine polyps, several supporting examinations that can be carried out are:
- Transvaginal ultrasound (USG). This examination is carried out using a long tool that is inserted through the vagina. This ultrasound emits sound waves to produce an image of the uterus, including its interior. The doctor may perform this examination to see if there is a thickening of the tissue lining the uterus, which could indicate uterine polyps.
- Hysteroscopy. This examination is carried out by inserting a thin and flexible instrument through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. Hysteroscopic examination facilitates the doctor to examine the inside of the uterus.
- Endometrial biopsy. This examination is carried out by taking tissue samples from the uterus, for further evaluation in the laboratory.
- Most uterine polyps are classified as benign lumps. However, some other changes in the uterus, such as thickening of the lining of the uterus and uterine cancer, can also start from uterine polyps. The doctor may suggest removing the uterine polyps and sending the tissue to a laboratory. This is needed for further evaluation to check for malignancy in the network.
Treatment
There are several types of treatment that may be recommended for uterine polyps, including:
- Observation. Small polyps that don’t cause signs and symptoms may not require special treatment. For this type of polyp, routine observation is generally only carried out, unless there are other risk factors for uterine cancer.
- Treatment. Some hormonal medications are known to reduce the signs and symptoms caused by polyps. However, drug consumption is generally aimed at reducing short-term complaints. Sometimes complaints can recur after treatment is stopped.
- Surgical procedure. During a hysteroscopy examination, polyp removal can also be performed. Removed polyps may be sent to a laboratory for further examination.
- If uterine polyps are known to contain cancer cells, the doctor will suggest further evaluation and treatment steps.
Prevention
Several things can be done to reduce the risk of uterine polyps. Among them is to maintain body weight to remain ideal. Regular consumption of blood pressure medications in individuals with high blood pressure is also recommended.