ENDOMETRIAL POLYPS
Endometrial polyps are small growths (usually ranging from 5 to 20 mm in size – pea average size) growing in the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) and/or cervix. There are many types of polyps; hyperplastic polyps are the most common polyps. Polyps are a very common gynecological condition and they are usually benign.
Today most polyps are detected randomly on ultrasound. Sometimes they cause symptoms such as frequent menstrual period and/or significant increase in menstrual cycle length and amount of menstrual bleeding, prolonged mid-cycle bleeding up to the following menstrual period etc. Secondly, they may prevent implantation of the fertilized egg, thus preventing or delaying conception. Similar symptoms may be caused by other gynecological conditions such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, endocrine disorders (hormone disorders) etc. In this respect, accurate diagnosis results in the appropriate and successful treatment.
The first-line treatment for uterine polyps removal worldwide is hysteroscopy, which is a method ensuring their accurate and quick removal, thus minimizing recovery time. Hysteroscopy in gynecology (originating from the prefix “ύστερον”, a Greek word which means uterus and the suffix “σκόπηση” from the word endoscopy) is equivalent to gastroscopy or colonoscopy for the stomach and the colon, i.e. this is an outpatient procedure. After removal, polyps are always sent to be biopsied.
It is the first and most common type of cancer of the female reproductive system.
It is associated with a pre-existing severe cervical dysplasia caused by HPV infection.
It's a condition characterized by delayed diagnosis, with an average of about six years.