User:Mr. Ibrahem/Endometrial polyp

An endometrial polyp, also known as a uterine polyp is a growth attached to the inside of the uterus. There may be no symptoms, or it may result in abnormal vaginal bleeding and difficulty becoming pregnant. They can vary in size from very small to large enough to fill the entire uterine cavity. There may be one or several, and they typically have a stalk which may have a narrow or wide base. If the stalk is long enough, it may protrude into the vagina.

The cause is not known. It is an overgrowth of endocrine glands, also containing stroma and blood vessels and typically situated at the inner top of uterus. Most occur in the 40s and 50s, around and after menopause, and particularly if taking the medicine tamoxifen, when the polyps are more likely to be multiple and larger. Diagnosis is by transvaginal ultrasonography, the accuracy of which is improved with color doppler. Confirmation is by microscopic examination of the polyp once cut out during hysteroscopy.

Some resolve without treatment. The majority are noncancerous, however 11% to 30% have or develop hyperplasia, and 0.5% to 3% become cancer. Endometrial polyps are common. Most occur in the 40s and 50s, around menopause.