Endometrial Polyps
Q: I had a strange discharge of matter during my last
cycle and am waiting to get in to see my gynecologist. I was looking for information
on endometrial polyps and whether these were something that can be passed during
monthly cycles and if so, what might they look like?
Dr. Donnica: In general, when women have what they perceive as a
"strange" discharge of matter during a menstrual cycle, it's often
simply clumped or clotted blood with a bit of endometrial tissue. While
this can be associated with endometrial hyperplasia (an overgrowth of
the lining of the uterus or womb), it is rarely associated with endometrial
polyps.Endometrial polyps are localized overgrowths of the endometrium
that project into the uterine cavity. There are different types of polyps and
they are rarely cancerous.
Endometrial polyps are fairly common (10 to 24% of women get them). As with
uterine fibroids, they increase with age, then decrease after menopause.The
most frequent symptom of endometrial polyps is metrorrhagia (irregular, acyclic
uterine bleeding). Post-menstrual spotting is also common. Overall, endometrial
polyps account for 25% of abnormal bleeding in both premenopausal and postmenopausal
women. The diagnosis of endometrial polyps is usually made by microscopic examination
of tissue obtained after an endometrial biopsy or a D&C (dilation and curettage).
If treatment is required, most cases are cured by thorough curettage, which
involves removing the endometrial lining of the uterus. For more information,
visit www.fibroids.net.
With best regards,
Donnica L. Moore, MD
President, DrDonnica.com
Created: 9/15/2002 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
