Risk Factors Associated with Premalignant and Malignant Endometrial Polyps

Endometrial polyps are a common gynecologic condition that affects up to 25% of the general population, most frequently periand postmenopausal women. These lesions are defined as localized overgrowths of endometrial tissue that contain a variable amount of glands, stroma, and blood vessels, covered by pseudostratified epithelium. Endometrial polyps are frequently associated with abnormal uterine bleeding and are often asymptomatic, incidentally detected during routine gynecologic examinations. Although the majority of polyps are benign, a small proportion may become malignant. The prevalence of endometrial cancer in polyps has been reported to range from 0-4.8%, depending on the selection of patients and resection methods used. With the expanding use of ultrasonography in outpatient clinics, the diagnosis of endometrial polyps has increased. Once polyps have been detected, operative hysteroscopy ISSN 1226-8704 http://dx.doi.org/10.6118/jksm.2013.19.2.74 J Korean Soc Menopause 2013;19:74-80