Polyp Removal and Office Hysteroscopy

Uterine polyps – an overgrowth of cells in the lining of the uterus and are known as endometrial polyps. These polyps are usually noncancerous (benign), although rarely some can be, or become cancerous. They usually are within your uterus, but occasionally protrude through the opening of the uterus (cervix) into your vagina. They most commonly occur in women over the age of 40, although younger women can also get them. Symptoms include irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding with intercourse, infertility, and bleeding after menopause. Risk factors for developing polyps include menopause, high blood pressure, obesity, on Tamoxifen, a drug therapy for breast cancer. Determining if you have a polyp can be done with ultrasound, or hysteroscopy (see below).

Please contact Dr. Fleming if you have any symptoms of abnormal vaginal bleeding for an appointment and evaluation.

Hysteroscopy Procedure – Dr. Sandra Fleming provides the convenience of office hysteroscopy in her Wellesley, MA office located only minutes from Boston, MA. This procedure involves inserting a slim instrument with a light and camera on the end into your vagina, through your cervix and into your uterus. A small amount of sterile saline fluid is then inserted into the uterus through this tube, allowing Dr. Fleming to visualize the lining of your uterus on a screen. She will take note of any areas that look abnormal, making sure there aren’t any polyps and taking tissue samples as needed. During a hysteroscopy, Dr. Fleming may also be able to remove small uterine polyps. A local anesthetic is used prior to the start of this procedure and the procedure is usually very well tolerated.