What are endometrial polyps?

Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Endometrial polyps refer to excessive proliferation of the endometrial lining, forming polyp-like tissues. Patients typically experience irregular vaginal bleeding, primarily manifesting as minor vaginal bleeding after menstrual periods have ended. Upon visiting the hospital and undergoing a vaginal ultrasound examination, a polyp-like tissue can be detected within the uterine cavity. Once identified, a hysteroscopy or diagnostic curettage is required to remove these tissues. Subsequently, a pathological examination must be conducted to clearly determine the cause and nature of the polyps.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do uterine polyps require surgery?

Endometrial polyps are caused by excessive growth of the endometrial lining, and can be single or multiple, with diameters ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They can be pedunculated or sessile. Endometrial polyps smaller than one centimeter in diameter, if asymptomatic, have a natural resolution rate of about 27% within a year and a low rate of malignancy. If the polyp is large, greater than one centimeter, it requires hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy or curettage. However, curettage has disadvantages, as it can easily miss polyps, and there is a high chance of recurrence after the surgery. Therefore, once an endometrial polyp larger than one centimeter is identified, it is advisable to promptly visit a hospital for examination and treatment. Postoperative treatment should be guided based on the pathological findings.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of endometrial polyps

The most common clinical symptom of endometrial polyps is vaginal bleeding, which manifests in the following ways: Some women may experience heavy menstrual flow with a large amount of blood clots. This is because most patients with endometrial polyps have excessive proliferation of the endometrial lining. When this excessively proliferated endometrium sheds during menstruation, it can result in a heavier flow. Additionally, some women may experience vaginal bleeding after their menstruation has ended. Typically, this bleeding is not heavy and is dark red in color. This could indicate the presence of endometrial polyps.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
43sec home-news-image

What are endometrial polyps?

Endometrial polyps refer to excessive proliferation of the endometrial lining, forming polyp-like tissues. Patients typically experience irregular vaginal bleeding, primarily manifesting as minor vaginal bleeding after menstrual periods have ended. Upon visiting the hospital and undergoing a vaginal ultrasound examination, a polyp-like tissue can be detected within the uterine cavity. Once identified, a hysteroscopy or diagnostic curettage is required to remove these tissues. Subsequently, a pathological examination must be conducted to clearly determine the cause and nature of the polyps.

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home-news-image
Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 4sec home-news-image

Can endometrial polyps be misdiagnosed?

Endometrial polyps can be misdiagnosed as they are caused by excessive proliferation of the endometrial lining. Clinically, the thickness of the endometrium varies throughout the menstrual cycle. Typically, just before menstruation, the endometrium is quite thick. As a result, some women might notice that their endometrium appears thick, resembling a polyp. If such a condition is observed, it is advisable to wait until after a menstrual period when the endometrium has shed before undergoing an ultrasound examination. If it is indeed an endometrial polyp, it will not shed with the menstrual flow. If it’s just thickened endometrium, it will resolve after menstruation. Therefore, it is essential to perform an ultrasound after menstruation to confirm if it is an endometrial polyp. If the polyp persists after a clean menstrual cycle, it can be diagnosed definitively.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 14sec home-news-image

How to check for endometrial polyps?

Endometrial polyp examinations are generally conducted through ultrasound at hospitals, which can provide a clear diagnosis. The best time for this ultrasound is within three to seven days after the end of menstruation. During this period, the thickness of the endometrium is between three to four millimeters, and the endometrial echo is uniform. If, during this period, the endometrial thickness is greater than four millimeters and the echo suggests unevenness, this generally indicates a high possibility of endometrial polyps. Patients with endometrial polyps typically experience shorter menstrual cycles, usually occurring every 20 days, with longer menstruation periods. Normally, the menstruation period lasts from three to seven days, but in patients with endometrial polyps, it can extend to over eight to ten days. Therefore, through symptoms and ultrasound, it is possible to determine whether there are endometrial polyps.