Introduction
Uterine polyps are small structures (typically 2-1 cm in diameter) located inside the uterine cavity. Those polyps are often round and are attached to the lining of the uterus by a stalk. Most polyps are found randomly during routine ultrasound pelvis examination, although some are found during an investigation of irregular uterine bleeding.
Uterine polyps are quite common, though their precise prevalence is unknown, because in most cases, they do not cause any symptoms. The chances of developing uterine polyps increases with age.
What causes the appearance of uterine polyps?
Reasons for uterine polyps are not entirely clear. In most cases, there is an association with a benign excessive growth of the endometrium. Uterine polyps turn cancerous only rarely.
Treatment
In some cases, uterine polyps may disappear spontenously. Thus, in some cases, it is possible to follow their course by repeated ultrasound scannings, without resorting to any surgical intervention.
In most cases, especially when there is irregular vaginal bleeding, it is advisable to remove the polyp and remove a sample from the endometrium in order to rule out a the presence of a malignant tumor.
The elective surgery for polyp removal called hysteroscopy. This is a short and minimally invasive surgical procedure performed under general or partial anesthesia.
During this procedure, a special optical instrument is inserted into the uterus through which the surgeon can watch and cut the uterine polyp simultenously.
After its removal, the polyp is sent for microscopic examination (pathological) and further treatment depends on the microscopic examination results. The vast majority of women who undergo the surgery do not suffer any complications, and most of them are released to their home a few hours after the procedure. 5-7 days after surgery the woman can resume work.