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One of the most common diseases encountered in obstetrics and gynecology clinics is endometrial polyps. Although their sizes generally range from 1-2 cm, these polyps can sometimes reach larger sizes. They are often benign, and the likelihood of cancerous transformation is low. In some cases, there may be a single polyp, while in others, multiple polyps may form. Polyps that cause discomfort with certain symptoms can be detected during gynecological examinations and may be removed through a minor surgical procedure if deemed necessary. You can find all questions and answers about endometrial polyps for those wondering what a cervical polyp is, how it is treated, and other related queries in our article.
The answer to the question “What is an endometrial polyp?” can be defined as tissue pieces that develop in the inner wall of the uterus or the cervix and typically appear round. The majority of endometrial polyps are benign, and the possibility of them being malignant is quite low. Cervical polyps, the cause of which is not fully understood, can be seen in women of all age groups but are more commonly observed in women during the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal periods. They occur due to the excessive growth of cells in the endometrium layer, also known as the uterine lining, extending into the uterine cavity for unknown reasons. Their sizes can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They can be present as one or multiple polyps.
Polyps attach to the uterine base with a stalk or a wider base. They generally remain completely within the uterus; however, especially cervical polyps may protrude into the vagina. Some polyps may remain undetected for many years due to the absence of symptoms, or they may be diagnosed incidentally during examinations conducted for other reasons. In some cases, they may present distinct symptoms. To avoid confusion with other conditions such as cervical cancer, lesions detected during examinations should be thoroughly investigated.
Uterine and cervical polyps are formations that are generally seen with high frequency in women during the menopausal period, and their exact cause is not fully understood. However, it is believed that hormonal factors play a role in the formation of endometrial polyps. Polyps that form in the uterus and cervix usually show sensitivity to the estrogen hormone and grow in response to the estrogen present in the bloodstream. Therefore, elevated levels of estrogen hormone can be considered among the factors that prepare the ground for the disease.
Additionally, it is known that individuals using a drug called tamoxifen to fight breast cancer have an increased risk of developing endometrial polyps. Those with a family history of uterine and cervical polyps also have a higher likelihood of developing this condition compared to others.
Endometrial polyps may not show any symptoms in some cases and are only detected during routine gynecological examinations. The likelihood of exhibiting symptoms is higher if the polyp size increases or if multiple polyps are present. The most commonly observed symptoms of endometrial polyps include:
The diagnosis of endometrial polyps is commonly made by examining samples taken from the uterine lining in women who present to obstetrics and gynecology clinics with complaints of bleeding. Millimeter-sized polyps can only be detected this way, while larger polyps may sometimes be visualized during ultrasound examinations. During gynecological examinations, polyps that protrude from within the uterus may sometimes be visible. However, since such visible formations can be confused with different gynecological diseases, a gynecological examination alone is not sufficient.
The disease can be diagnosed based on the pathological examination of the sample taken from the observed formation. If the process of filling the uterine cavity with fluid for imaging purposes using ultrasound, known as hysteroscopy, is performed, findings that may raise suspicion of a polyp can also be detected. In all suspicious cases indicating endometrial polyps, a hysterosalpingography (HSG) procedure is performed to obtain a clear diagnosis. This allows for a precise determination of whether a polyp is present, and if so, its size, location, and number.
Treatment options for cervical polyps are evaluated based on detailed gynecological examinations, diagnostic tests, and imaging techniques. In cases where there is suspicion of a polyp, the diagnosis must be confirmed through necessary investigations. Not all individuals with a definitive diagnosis of the disease require immediate removal of the polyps. Based on evaluations made by a gynecologist, polyps confirmed to be benign and not causing any adverse effects in the patient may be monitored for a certain period or treated with some medications. However, polyps considered risky for cervical cancer, those that show a tendency to grow, or those diagnosed as malignant should be removed through a surgical operation known as endometrial polyp surgery. If the polyps identified by gynecological specialists are not removed, they may grow, causing damage to the uterus, leading to infertility, and potentially developing into cancer, spreading to surrounding tissues and organs and threatening life.
The choice of treatment method for cervical polyps is determined based on the findings obtained from the examination, the size and number of the polyps, their location, the adverse effects they cause in the patient, and most importantly, whether they pose a risk for cervical cancer. Polyps that are very small and detected incidentally during routine examinations may only be monitored if they do not cause discomfort, as they may resolve spontaneously over time. In some cases, medication may be preferred if recommended by the physician. Certain hormone-containing medications are typically used to alleviate symptoms during the monitoring phase when spontaneous resolution of the polyps is expected. If there is suspicion of a health risk due to the polyps, the procedure of uterine and cervical polyp surgery may be performed to remove the suspicious polyps.
Questions such as how cervical polyp surgery is performed, whether it is a difficult operation, and if pain will be felt are among the most confusing for women with this disease. Although it can be considered a surgical procedure, polyp removal operations are simple surgical procedures performed under hysteroscopy that last 15-20 minutes. They can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Hysteroscopy allows for visualization of the uterine cavity, and without making any abdominal incisions, access to the uterus is achieved through the vagina, and the polyps are completely removed along with their roots.
After cervical polyp surgery, the removed polyp is sent for pathological examination to definitively determine whether it is malignant. Patients are generally discharged on the same day after the procedure, and hospitalization is not required. This way, issues caused by polyps, such as infertility, pain, and bleeding, are resolved in patients treated early. Although the likelihood of recurrence is rare, patients should undergo gynecological examinations at regular intervals after surgery.
If you are a patient with endometrial polyps or suspect that you have this condition, you can reach us at 444 39 49 for all your questions regarding the disease and treatment process.
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