Malignancy in endometrial polyps: a 12-year experience

Objective

Endometrial polyps (EPs) are common pathological lesions in all women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of malignancy of EPs and to investigate whether clinical parameters may predict the histopathologic features of these lesions.

Study Design

A retrospective study was conducted from January 1995 to December 2006 and all consecutive 1242 cases with clinical EPs were included. The charts of all these women were reviewed and clinical data were related to histopathologic results.

Results

Histologically, polyps were distinguished as benign, premalignant, and malignant. Overall, 95.2% benign polyps, 1.3% premalignant, and 3.5% malignant lesions were detected. When clinical variables were considered, patient age, menopause, presence of abnormal uterine bleeding, and hypertension were statistically significant characteristics related to premalignant and malignant features.

Conclusion

Older menopausal bleeding patients with hypertension are at high risk for premalignant and malignant polyps. Therefore, besides abnormal bleeding symptoms, this kind of patient needs to have the polyps removed.

Key words: endometrial, endometrial cancer, hysteroscopy, polyps, risk factors