ultrasonographic appearance of endometrial polyps

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on December 20, 2024
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Under normal circumstances, the diagnosis of endometrial polyps is usually determined clearly by performing an ultrasound at the hospital. Normally, the endometrial line is continuous. There is a specific thickness to the endometrium. Typically, a thickness of 3-4mm in the endometrium at the end of menstruation is considered normal. During ovulation, the thickness of the endometrium is 8mm. Before menstruation starts, the endometrial thickness is generally more than 10mm. If it is within this range, it is generally considered normal. If there is an increase in endometrial thickness and the echo of the endometrium is not continuous, and the endometrial echo is uneven, in most cases, endometrial polyps are suspected. The diagnosis of endometrial polyps can generally be clearly determined through color Doppler ultrasound. This diagnosis is not difficult. Once endometrial polyps are clearly diagnosed by ultrasound, they can be removed by hysteroscopic polypectomy at the hospital.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 16sec home-news-image

Will uterine polyps cause bleeding during intercourse?

Endometrial polyps generally do not cause bleeding after sexual intercourse. However, bleeding after sexual intercourse can occur if there are polyps in the cervical canal. Clinically, endometrial polyps generally present with shorter menstrual cycles, occurring every 20-something days. The period duration is also typically longer; normally, a period lasts from three to seven days. In patients with endometrial polyps, the period can extend up to eight or nine days. Under such circumstances, endometrial polyps are generally suspected, and patients are often advised to visit a hospital for an ultrasound to examine the thickness of the endometrial lining and its echo characteristics, allowing for a definitive diagnosis of endometrial polyps. Endometrial polyps do not cause bleeding after sexual intercourse. Bleeding after intercourse is generally considered clinically if there are conditions such as cervical cancer, precancerous cervical conditions, cervical polyps, or other cervical alterations. Thus, if bleeding after intercourse occurs, it is crucial to undergo cervical cancer screening at a hospital.

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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 Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can endometrial polyps cause bleeding?

Endometrial polyps can cause irregular vaginal bleeding, which can manifest as non-menstrual vaginal bleeding or menstrual vaginal bleeding, leading to prolonged menstrual periods and incomplete menstrual discharge. These conditions are generally caused by endometrial polyps. Generally, if endometrial polyps occur, it is recommended that patients undergo a hysteroscopic examination to assess the number and size of polyps. If necessary, surgical removal under hysteroscopy is required.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to investigate endometrial polyps?

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 Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of endometrial polyp malignancy

When endometrial polyps in women undergo malignant transformation, it can lead to a large amount of vaginal discharge. This discharge may be accompanied by a foul odor, which could possibly be due to an associated infection. Additionally, when endometrial polyps undergo malignant transformation and form tumors, their growth rate accelerates, and the blood supply may not meet the growth needs of the polyps. This may lead to localized ulceration and bleeding, causing women to experience irregular vaginal bleeding. This bleeding can manifest as blood streaks in vaginal discharge or as persistent vaginal bleeding. As the tumor gradually enlarges, it increases the pressure in the uterine cavity, leading to abdominal pain in some women.