Uterine Polyps: Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors

Growths called uterine polyps stick to the uterine wall and proliferate inside the uterus. Endometrial (uterine lining) cells proliferate and give rise to uterine polyps, also referred to as endometrial polyps. A tiny fraction of these polyps are cancerous or have the potential to become cancer (precancerous polyps), whereas the majority are benign (noncancerous).

The size of a uterine polyp can vary from a few millimetres, which is slightly bigger than a sesame seed, to several centimetres, which is bigger than a golf ball. They adhere to the uterine wall using either a short stalk or a big base.

One or more uterine polyps may be present. Though they normally remain inside the uterus, they can enter the vagina through the cervix, the opening of the uterus. Women who are going through or have finished menopause account for the majority of uterine polyp instances. However, younger people can also get them.

Causes Of Uterine Polyps

It seems that hormonal factors are involved in this. Uterine polyps are hormone-sensitive and are formed as a result of the body producing oestrogen.

Also Read: Uterus Didelphys(Double Uterus): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Symptoms Of Uterine Polyps

The following are uterine polyp symptoms and signs:

• Bleeding after menopause from the vagina.
• Bleeding throughout the intermenstrual cycle.
• Periods that repeat and fluctuate in length and weight.
• Incredibly severe pain.
• Incapable of getting pregnant.
• Some individuals only have slight bleeding or spotting, while others have no signs at all.

Also Read: Amenorrhea: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment And Complications

Risk Factors Of Uterine Polyps

The subsequent factors may lead to uterine polyps:

• Either after menopause or during the perimenopause.
• Weight gain.
• Treating breast cancer by using the drug tamoxifen.
• Menopause-related symptoms are treated with hormone therapy.

Also Read: Vaginal Yeast Infections: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Diagnosis Of Uterine Polyps

To detect uterine polyps, the tests listed below are used:

• Transvaginal Ultrasound: A slender, wand-like device is inserted into the vagina to produce sound waves and an image of the uterus, including its interior. The endometrial tissue may be thicker in one area or there may be a noticeable polyp.
• Hysterosonography, also called sonohysterography, is a comparable process in which a tiny tube is inserted via the cervix and vagina to inject salt water (saline) into the uterus. The uterus grows when saline is added, improving the ultrasound's capacity to see within the uterus
• An endometrial biopsy: A specimen is collected for laboratory analysis using an intrauterine suction catheter. Uterine polyps can be confirmed by an endometrial biopsy, however, it can also miss the polyp.
• The majority of uterine polyps are benign: They are therefore not malignant. Nonetheless, endometrial hyperplasia, a precancerous condition of the uterus, may manifest as uterine polyps. A tissue sample from the removed polyp is analyzed for signs of cancer.

Also Read: Genital Warts: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Treatment Of Uterine Polyps

 Treatments for uterine polyps could involve:

• Waiting cautiously: Tiny polyps that show no symptoms could disappear on their own. Small polyps do not need to be treated if a person is not at risk for uterine cancer.
• Medicines: Hormonal medications such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and protestants have the potential to reduce symptoms associated with polyps. However using these medications is usually merely a band-aid solution at best, as the symptoms often return when the medication is stopped.
• Surgical removal: During hysteroscopy, instruments that are inserted through the hysteroscope, a device that provides visual access to the interior of the uterus can be used to remove polyps. The removed polyp will probably be sent to a lab for examination.

Your medical practitioner will communicate with you the following steps in assessment and treatment if a uterine polyp includes cancer cells.

Also Read: Placenta Accreta: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Complications Of Uterine Polyps

Polyps in the uterus may be related to infertility. If you're having trouble getting pregnant, getting rid of uterine polyps might help. 

Download the PrepLadder App and get the best neet pg online coaching with world-class video lectures, QBank, Mock Tests and more!

Download PrepLadder's best app for neet pg preparation for Android 

Download PrepLadder's best app for neet pg preparation for ios