Histologic Features and Differential Diagnosis of Endometrial Polyps; An Update and Review

Abstract

Among the endometrial lesions, endometrial polyps (EPs) are commonly seen in the premenopausal and postmenpuasal age group and are found in 25% of endometrial specimens performed for abnormal uterine bleeding. EPs are generally considered as local hyperplasitic lesions of endometrial stroma which covered by epithelium. These lesions are seen single or multiple, sessile or pedunculated and the size range differs from millimetres to centimetres. In 10% of cases they mimic endocervical polyp due to prolapsus from external os. In a case of sufficient clinical, hysteroscopic and imaging information, the histologic diagnosis is usually straightforward. From clinical and prognostic standpoint, it should be emphasized that rarely these lesion may harbour premalignant and malignant lesions particularly in older age group. Therefore careful histologic examination for rule out of raised malignant lesions should be considered. In the other hand in rare cases these lesions may show metastatic involvement particularly from lobular breast carcinoma. Prevalence of these lesions in association with clinical presentation and histologic features will be presented and differential diagnosis with special emphasis on rule out of malignant lesions will be discussed.