Uterine polyps
Published April 16, 2024 | 
-What is a uterine polyp? Can these polyps be dangerous in older women?-
Polyp is a medical term for a growth protruding from a mucous membrane. In the case of the uterus, polyps arise from the lining, called the endometrium.
Uterine polyps may form spontaneously, or be the result of excessive hormone production or consumption. Such polyps commonly lead to abnormal bleeding that isn’t associated with menstruation. This “spotting” goes by the medical name metrorrhagia.
Endometrial polyps are less common after menopause and pose no special danger to older women. The greatest danger from benign polyps is that abnormal bleeding may be attributed to a polyp when it’s actually due to cancer of the endometrium. That’s the reason it’s important to have vaginal spotting evaluated and investigated to be sure of the cause. This is usually done by a procedure such as a “D and C” (dilatation and curettage), in which the lining of the uterus is removed and checked by a pathologist to be sure it is benign