Evaluation of definitive histopathological results of patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps: a tertiary care center experience

Afr Health Sci. 2022 Mar;22(1):125-132. doi: 10.4314/ahs.v22i1.16.

Abstract

Background: Although endometrial polyps are generally benign, there are also risks of malignancy.

Objectives: To determine the premalignancy and malignancy prevalence in patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps and to investigate factors affecting premalignancy and malignancy.

Methods: In our retrospective study, patients who were diagnosed with endometrial polyp with endometrial samples and who underwent polypectomy by hysteroscopy or hysterectomy within one year were included.

Results: Premalignant / malignant histopathological results were detected in 7 (2.8%) patients. There were no statistically significant differences in histopathological results and endometrial sampling indications between premenopausal and postmenopausal patients. Hysterectomy in patients with premalignant/ malignant results and hysteroscopy in patients with benign results were found to be significantly different. There was not a statistically significant difference between patients with benign results and those with premalignant/malignant results in menopausal status, symptoms, status of hormone replacement therapy and endometrial polyp size.

Conclusion: The possibility of premalignant/ malignant results in patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps should be kept in mind. The menopausal status, symptoms, sizes of endometrial polyps and whether or not the patient is on hormone replacement therapy should be considered while making the management plan. However, these should not be the decisive factors on their own.

Keywords: Endometrial polyp; endometrial sampling; hysterectomy; hysteroscopy; malignancy; premalignancy.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Polyps*
  • Precancerous Conditions*
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tertiary Care Centers
  • Uterine Neoplasms*