How to investigate endometrial polyps?

Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Endometrial polyps require an ultrasound examination to be detected, as they are located within the uterine cavity and cannot be seen by a gynecological examination alone. Under ultrasound, one can see a polyp-like object in the uterine cavity, which usually measures only a few millimeters, although some may be about ten or more millimeters in size. Certainly, if possible, a hysteroscopy can also identify them. However, generally, an ultrasound is conducted first to observe the endometrial polyps, followed by a hysteroscopy to remove them.

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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 Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Benign characteristics of endometrial polyps

If a woman is diagnosed with endometrial polyps, then the condition is benign. If there are symptoms such as irregular vaginal bleeding, increased menstrual flow, or prolonged menstruation, endometrial polyps should be considered. It is advised to undergo diagnostic curettage or hysteroscopic endometrial polyp electrosurgical resection, and the removed tissue should be sent for pathological examination. Whether it is benign or malignant is mainly determined by the pathological examination as the final diagnostic basis. If confirmed as endometrial polyps, then it is benign. If precancerous lesions are present or if it is confirmed as malignant tumor, the case will be described in detail.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can endometrial polyps be cured?

Endometrial polyps are a common gynecological condition clinically, and most of the time, they are not very harmful. Clinically, once endometrial polyps are discovered, it is recommended to assess with the local hospital's gynecology department whether surgical removal is necessary. Most endometrial polyps can be cured through surgical removal and will not affect the patient's daily life or future. However, it is important to note that endometrial polyps are very prone to recurrence.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can endometrial polyps heal by themselves?

Some endometrial polyps are self-healing, so not all endometrial polyps require surgical treatment. This is often because endometrial polyps are related to recent endocrine states, and some can be managed with hormonal medications, while others may be expelled during a menstrual period. Therefore, if the endometrial polyp does not cause any symptoms, such as abnormal bleeding, impact on pregnancy, or is large enough to cause infertility, it is possible to observe regularly without immediate diagnostic curettage surgery.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
42sec home-news-image

The difference between endometritis and endometrial cancer.

Endometritis falls under the category of inflammation and its general clinical treatment primarily involves anti-inflammatory treatment. Endometrial cancer, on the other hand, is a malignant tumor of the uterus and differs in prognosis and treatment. The preferred treatment for endometrial cancer is surgical. If the patient has missed the opportunity for surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy can be administered, with the aim of extending the patient’s life as much as possible. Compared to endometritis, which is relatively mild, endometrial cancer has a more significant impact.