Endometrial polyps are growths of the utmost internal layer of the uterus also called endometrium, sizing from a couple of millimetres to 2-3 centimetres. They are connected to the internal cavity through a narrower tissue that contains blood vessels that enables their growth. The vast majority of them are benign (99%).
They are frequent in patients of 40-50 years old but can also appear after the menopause.
Eventhough most of them are asymptomatic ones, the most common symptom is vaginal bleeding, including abundant menstrual bleeding, menstrual irregularity or bleeding after the menopause. They can also cause fertility problems.
Diagnosis is clinical through an interrogation and genital exploration as well as with image techniques such as a vaginal ultrasound. It can be necessary to introduce a fluid inside the uterus during the ultradound procedure (sonohysterogram) to make it appear. Definitive dignosis is obtained through a hysteroscopy, that consists of introducing a camera through the uterine neck to access the uterine cavity. At the same time, this technique confirms the diagnosis and the treatment as it enables direct vision over its extraction.
There are no mechanisms to prevent the appearance of endometrial polyps. If you previously had endometrial polyps you can develop them again at some point in your life.
- Nijkang NP, Anderson L, Markham R, Manconi F. Endometrial polyps: Pathogenesis, sequelae and treatment. SAGE Open Med. 2019;7:2050312119848247. Published 2019 May 2.
- Tjarks M, Van Voorhis BJ. Treatment of endometrial polyps. Obstet Gynecol 2000; 96(6): 886–889.
- Indraccolo U, DiIorio R, Matteo M, et al. The pathogenesis of endometrial polyps: a systematic semi-quantitative review. Eur J Gynaecol Oncol 2013; 34(1): 5–22
