ENDOMETRIAL POLYPS AND ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING - AN INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE

BACKGROUND Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) is one of the most common health problems encountered by women. It affects about 20% women of reproductive age, and accounts for almost two thirds of all hysterectomies. Abnormal uterine bleeding is frequently the presenting symptom of endometrial polyps. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of endometrial polyps in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS Endometrial polyps diagnosed on ultrasonography presenting as abnormal uterine bleeding were included in the study. The age group was broadly divided into <= 40 years and <= 40 years. The histopathological features were recorded and analysed. RESULTS In the present study out of 2184 cases of abnormal uterine bleeding, 88 cases were endometrial polyps (4.02%). In the present study, the prevalence of endometrial polyps is 4.02%. The age prevalence was 72 (81.82%) in the age group <= 40 years and 16 (18.18%) in the age group beyond 40 years. 28.40% of endometrial polyps presented with postmenopausal bleeding, commonest histopathology being benign endometrial polyps followed by endometrial carcinoma. 71.59% of endometrial polyps presented with premenopausal bleeding commonest histopathology being submucosal leiomyoma followed by benign endometrial polyps and one case of endometrial polyp with atypical endometrial hyperplasia. CONCLUSION Ultrasonography is a useful tool to identify presence of endometrial polyps, but in postmenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding, histopathology is a must to rule out malignancy. Polyps with atypical hyperplasia and malignant degeneration of endometrial polyps were observed mainly in postmenopausal women.