What is Uterine polyps?
Uterine polyps are unusual tissue growth inside the uterus wall that might extend into the uterine cavity. The condition is basically the overgrowth of cells in the uterus lining (endometrium), also known as endometrial polyps.
The uterine polyps are usually benign, but some can be cancerous or might turn into precancerous polyps. It is actually the abnormal; cell growth that might make it malignant. The uterine polyps could range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters.
Uterine polyps could be one or multiple. They usually stay within the uterus, but in some cases might slip down through the uterus, opening into the vagina.
Uterine polyps are mostly seen in women going through or who have completed menopause. It can also appear in younger women.
The doctor will be able to determine the right treatment for polyps depending on their location and size. Benign or Malignant polyps also determine the kind of treatment suggested.
What are the causes of polyps?
The causes of polyps differ based on their location in the body. However, some of the common causes include –
Inflammation
Mutation in the genes of colon cells.
Chronic stomach inflammation.
A tumor
A foreign object
A cyst
Excess estrogen
Hormonal factors play a major role in Uterine polyps’ development as they are estrogen-sensitive. That means they foster with more estrogen release.
Uterine Polyps can also be caused in -
Perimenopausal or postmenopausal condition.
High blood pressure condition.
Obesity
Breast cancer therapy drug – tamoxifen.
Polyps are known to grow through rapidly dividing cells, which is why they need to be diagnosed and treated even though most polyps are benign.
What are the symptoms of Uterine Polyps?
Patients have vaginal bleeding after menopause.
Bleeding between menstrual cycles.
Irregular menstrual bleeding.
Vaginal discharge.
