Hysteroscopic resection of symptomatic and asymptomatic endometrial polyps

Study objectiveTo estimate the occurrence of malignancy and atypical hyperplasia in endometrial polyps in patients with and without symptoms.DesignRetrospective registration of all patients who underwent hysteroscopic resection of endometrial polyps. Age, menopausal status, presence or absence of symptoms, any use of hormonal medication, as well as histologic diagnosis, complications, and eventual repeated surgery were documented (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).SettingUllevaal University Hospital, Department of Gynecology.PatientsAll patients who underwent hysteroscopic resection of an endometrial polyp in our department from January 1, 2001 through March 1, 2005.InterventionsHysteroscopic resection of endometrial polyps.Measurements and main resultsFour hundred eleven patients were included. One hundred twenty-nine patients (31.4%) had no symptoms. The prevalence of malignancy or atypical hyperplasia was 3.2% in women with symptoms and 3.9% in those without symptoms.ConclusionThe prevalence of malignancy and atypical hyperplasia was found to be relatively high, indicating that symptomatic, as well as asymptomatic, endometrial polyps should be removed.