The endometrial polyp is a benign tumor in the wall of the uterus, which can cause symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain and, in some cases, difficulty getting pregnant.
Although an endometrial polyp is not always considered a serious problem, there is a risk of it developing into a malignant polyp. This risk is greater in older women, especially after menopause or when there are diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, for example.
If you suspect an endometrial polyp, it is important to consult a gynecologist or general practitioner to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment, which may involve surgery to remove the polyp.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of endometrial polyps are:
- Excessive, prolonged or non-menstrual vaginal bleeding;
- Dor abdominal;
- Difficulty getting pregnant.
However, endometrial polyps can cause few or no symptoms, in some cases often being discovered during routine exams such as pelvic ultrasound.
Furthermore, the severity of symptoms is not necessarily related to the size, location or number of polyps on the wall of the uterus.
Is an endometrial polyp serious?
The endometrial polyp is normally not serious, being considered a benign change that can decrease in size over time without the need for specific treatment. However, there is a small risk of the polyp developing into a malignant one and, for this reason, a biopsy is generally recommended.
The risk of malignant polyps is greater when the polyps cause symptoms, in women over 60 years of age or in menopause, in case of diseases such as diabetes or obesity, and use of tamoxifen.
Malignant endometrial polyp symptoms
The symptoms of malignant endometrial polyps are usually no different from those caused by benign polyps. Therefore, when a polyp is identified, it is important to evaluate it through biopsy.
Possible causes
The endometrial polyp does not have a specific cause, but appears to occur due to hormonal or genetic changes, which lead to the abnormal multiplication of cells in the endometrium, which is the most superficial part of the uterus wall.
Furthermore, endometrial polyps are more common in older women and in case of diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome or liver failure, use of some medications such as hormonal contraceptives or tamoxifen, and hormone replacement therapy.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of endometrial polyps is made by a gynecologist or general practitioner taking into account the symptoms presented and changes identified in tests, such as transvaginal ultrasound and hysteroscopy. See how hysteroscopy is performed and when it is indicated.
Furthermore, after identifying the polyp, the doctor may also recommend a biopsy to identify whether the polyp is malignant or benign. A biopsy can be performed during the hysteroscopy examination, which is used to confirm the diagnosis. Understand better how the biopsy is done.
How the treatment is carried out
Endometrial polyp treatment typically includes removal of the polyp through surgery.
However, in women without symptoms and with polyps smaller than 1 cm, the chance of the polyp shrinking without the need for specific treatment is greater. In these cases, only regular follow-up with the doctor may be indicated.
The use of a levonorgestrel IUD may be indicated after removal of endometrial polyps to reduce the risk of the polyp returning. Check out what a levonorgestrel IUD is and how it works.
Surgery to remove the endometrial polyp
Polypectomy, which is surgery to remove the polyp, can be performed using hysteroscopy and is useful for relieving symptoms, such as pain and bleeding. After surgery, the risk of the polyp appearing again is low.
Although it is rarer, hysterectomy, which is the complete removal of the uterus, may also be indicated. Understand when hysterectomy is indicated and how it is performed.
Does an endometrial polyp harm pregnancy?
The endometrial polyp can cause difficulty getting pregnant in some women and its removal can increase the chance of getting pregnant in some cases.
Furthermore, in the case of pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage is generally higher in the case of an endometrial polyp and is not necessarily related to its size or quantity. Find out about other causes of miscarriage and what to do.
