The uterine polyp is usually a benign tumor that affects 10 to 24% of women. Generally, when it is asymptomatic, it can become cancerous or even cause bleeding.
Uterine Polyps-
The uterine polyp or endometrial polyp is an outgrowth of the endometrium, the lining that lines the inside of the uterus. This tumor is harmless and its size, number, shape, and composition are variable. A polyp can fill the entire uterine cavity, be it single or multiple or be it pedunculated (attaching to the uterus with one foot) or sessile (with a large implant base) in nature.
It can remain contained in the uterine cavity, located in the cervix, or be externalized by the cervix into the vagina. When located near the end of the fallopian tubes, it can also interfere with fertility. Polyp should not be confused with uterine fibroids, which develops at the expense of muscle cells in the uterus. Both are different from having different natures.
There are many uterine polyp causes. These include-
Although a uterine polyp can develop at any time, it often occurs between 30 to 60 years of age. With the cause unknown, uterine polyps are sensitive to estrogen which is a sex hormone that affects the functioning of the endometrium.
These polyps are more at risk of developing, if the woman who is suffering from the same is overweight, have high blood pressure or take tamoxifen, a breast cancer drug.
These polyps are often asymptomatic and are usually diagnosed incidentally during a pelvic ultrasound or a consultation with the gynecologist. These uterine polyp symptoms include-
Genital bleeding after menstruation or after menopause
Too heavy periods or menorrhagia
Infertility
Abundant or unusual vaginal discharge.
If a polyp is visible in the cervix or vagina, or if it is large enough to be palpated, it can be discovered during clinical examination by a gynecologist.
A pelvic ultrasound, preferably in the first part of the cycle (just after menstruation), makes it possible to visualize the polyp (s) and to determine the existence of the cause and effect linked between the presence of the polyp and the symptoms reported. The doppler will differentiate the polyp from the fibroid, which has a different vascular supply.
The hysteroscopy is an outpatient procedure that is carried out through a camera (Hysteroscope) inserted through the vagina into the uterus. It makes it possible to specify the uterine polyp by viewing it directly and can be associated with a biopsy (sample) of the endometrium.
A polyp can become cancerous in 0.5 to 1% of cases, especially during menopause. Only laboratory analysis of a biopsy or the entire polyp after ablation allows the diagnosis of benignity with certainty.
Beware of possible diagnostic errors: a uterine polyp can look like a fibroid or endometrial cancer. But conversely, endometrial cancer can sometimes look like a polyp. The association of a polyp with endometrial cancer is more frequent after menopause.
If it causes heavy or prolonged bleeding, a polyp can cause anemia. It can also interfere with fertility if it is located near the end of the fallopian tubes in the uterus.
Also, a polyp can recur despite its removal.
The Uterine Polyp treatment includes its removal. It can be discussed if the patient is asymptomatic and not menopausal. It is most often done during an operative hysteroscopy, where the polyp is removed by means of a resistor (a cutting instrument) introduced into the uterus by the vagina at the same time as the hysteroscope, a camera which allows viewing the removal of the polyp.
Uterine polyps and pregnancy do not always go well if not removed timely. In women who are at risk of cancer (postmenopausal woman) or recurrence (women over the age of 45), it may be desirable to remove all of the uterine lining or a total hysterectomy, with or without retaining the ovaries depending on the age of the woman. If you have fear of having both uterine polyps and pregnancy at the same time, then you should share it, with your specialist right away for a precise solution and also get information about how to prevent polyps in the uterus in the future.
After the intervention, all the elements removed are analyzed in the laboratory to make sure that they are indeed benign polyps. Visit the best IVF center in India to know how to prevent polyps in the uterus and get the right treatment.
For avoiding the risk of Uterine polyps disease, visit the link on Uterine Polyps and book an appointment to consult with a gynecologist.