Endometrial Polyp Flashcards
What is Endometrial Polyps?
The uterus is mostly composed of muscle. The inside lining of the uterus is made of endometrial tissue that grows and shrinks during the menstrual cycle. If a woman does not become pregnant, this lining sheds during her period. After a period, the lining grows rapidly under the influence of hormones like estrogen. Polyps are areas that grow a little too much. As they grow, they usually fan out but remain attached to a small stalk.
These polyps can be as small as a sesame seed or as large as a golf ball. Rarely, polyps can grow to the size of an orange! In addition to uterine polyps, women can get a polyp on the edges of their cervix, in the area of their vagina or even the ovaries.
What Are the Symptoms of Endometrial Polyps?
Since most polyps are small, they often don’t cause any symptoms. The gynecologist may find the bleeding polyps themselves or a thickened uterine lining during an ultrasound or a sonogram.
Some polyps do produce very unpleasant and painful symptoms like:
Irregular menstrual bleeding— frequent, unpredictable periodsthat can be long or short, light or extremely heavy
Bleedingbetween menstrual periods.
Vaginal bleedingafter menopause.
Infertility.
Endometrial Biopsy will Help Determine Your Cancer Risks
The important thing to remember about polyps is that they are composed of endometrial (or lining) cells. Unlike fibroids, which have almost a zero potential for malignancy, polyps have a small likelihood of being malignant—around 3%.
The best OB/GYNs in Queens, NYC that are part of the Forest Hills Medical Services team may want to do an endometrial biopsy if polyps are found. This is to ensure that the polyp is not cancerous or to check for other abnormalities or hormonal imbalances.
When performing the endometrial biopsy, your gynecologist removes a small piece of tissue from the uterine lining for examination. Laboratory tests are required to determine if the polyp is normal (benign) or abnormal (precancerous or cancerous). The lab can also discover other potential abnormalities in your uterine lining. Your Forest Hills, New York specialist always checks to see if your hormone levels are balanced, as endometrial polyps seem to be estrogen sensitive.
Information to Give to Your Gynecologist in Queens, NYC Prior to Your Endometrial Biopsy
Before you undergo an endometrial biopsy or endometrial polyp removal, inform your doctor of any of the following:
if there is a possibility that you might be pregnant
if you are taking any medications or supplements
if you have allergies to any medications
if you are taking blood-thinners, like warfarin or aspirin or if you have any bleeding issues.
if you were ever treated for a vaginal, cervical, or pelvic infection
if you have any heart or lung problems
How Is Endometrial Biopsy or Endometrial Polyp Removal Performed?
There are several ways for your doctor to perform an endometrial biopsy or endometrial polyp removal:
Your gynecologist in Queens inserts a straw-shaped device called a pipelle into your uterus to suction a small amount of tissue from the lining. This is a quick procedure, but may cause some cramping. This technique is used when only a tiny amount of tissue is needed or a very small polyp needs to be removed.
A suctioning device called a Vabra aspirator is necessary for larger endometrial polyp removal. This procedure can be slightly more uncomfortable.
Sonohysterography is used to investigate uterine abnormalities in women who experience infertility or multiple miscarriages. Doppler ultrasound images can help the physician to see and evaluate blood flow blockages, blood flow in polyps, tumors and congenital malformation.
Hysteroscopy, which consists of placing a small camera into your vagina, past your cervix and up into your uterus so your gynecologist can monitor the condition of your pelvic organs via a video screen. Depending on their size, endometrial polyp removal may be done simultaneously.
The procedure takes anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Most women experience some cramping afterward, but the discomfort can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications. Some women feel dizzy or nauseated during the procedure, but it subsides once the biopsy is complete. Soreness and slight bleeding for a day or two are common endometrial polyp removal side effects. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, sex, douching, and tampons until the spotting disappears.
Treatment After Endometrial Polyp Biopsy
Several treatment options exist for addressing endometrial polyps, ovarian polyps, a polyp on cervix edges or polyps in vagina walls. Small polyps can resolve on their own, so your OB/GYN may recommend a “wait and see” approach. Some medications, such as progestins or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, can alleviate symptoms, but these are usually temporary options.
More extensive surgery may be required if the polyps are larger in size, reoccurring or indicative of precancerous or cancerous conditions. If you are postmenopausal, you are most at risk for these polyps being or turning cancerous. Fortunately, cancerous conditions represent less than one percent of all endometrial biopsy polyps. If polyps continue to occur, your Queens OB/GYN might want to discuss several surgical options.
Forest Hills Medical Services is a comprehensive clinical practice. We believe that how you are treated at our office is just as important as the medical care you receive. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality obstetrics and gynecology with warmth and compassion. Our physicians are easy to talk to and our entire staff is friendly and attentive to your needs. We do our best to make a positive, long-term impact on our patients’ lives through preventive care and education.
The best gynecologists in Queens who are part of the Forest Hills Medical Services team are renowned for their extensive skills in diagnosing and treating endometrial, uterine and ovarian polyps, and also polyps on the cervix surface area or in vaginal walls. We will listen to all your concerns and together we will come up with the treatment plan that works for you and your unique circumstances.
