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Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition of excessive proliferation of the cells of the endometrium, or inner lining of the uterus.. Most cases of endometrial hyperplasia result from high levels of estrogens, combined with insufficient levels of the progesterone-like hormones which ordinarily counteract estrogen's proliferative effects on this tissue.
An endometrial polyp or uterine polyp is a mass in the inner lining of the uterus. [1] They may have a large flat base or be attached to the uterus by an elongated pedicle (pedunculated). [2] [3] Pedunculated polyps are more common than sessile ones. [4] They range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. [3]
The uterus and endometrium was for a long time thought to be sterile. The cervical plug of mucosa was seen to prevent the entry of any microorganisms ascending from the vagina. In the 1980s this view was challenged when it was shown that uterine infections could arise from weaknesses in the barrier of the cervical plug.
Endometritis is inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium). [6] Symptoms may include fever, lower abdominal pain, and abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge. [1] [4] It is the most common cause of infection after childbirth. [7] [1] It is also part of spectrum of diseases that make up pelvic inflammatory disease. [8]
The decidua is the modified mucosal lining of the uterus (that is, modified endometrium) that forms every month, in preparation for pregnancy. It is shed off each month when there is no fertilized egg to support. [1] The decidua is under the influence of progesterone. Endometrial cells become highly characteristic.
The underlying causes may include ovulation problems, fibroids, the lining of the uterus growing into the uterine wall, uterine polyps, underlying bleeding problems, side effects from birth control, or cancer. [3] More than one category of causes may apply in an individual case. [3] The first step in work-up is to rule out a tumor or pregnancy.
Uterine glands or endometrial glands are tubular glands, lined by a simple columnar epithelium, found in the functional layer of the endometrium that lines the uterus. Their appearance varies during the menstrual cycle. During the proliferative phase, uterine glands appear long due to estrogen secretion by the ovaries.
There are a number of indications for obtaining an endometrial biopsy from a non-pregnant woman: [citation needed]. Women with chronic anovulation such as the polycystic ovary syndrome are at increased risk for endometrial problems and an endometrial biopsy may be useful to assess their lining specifically to rule out endometrial hyperplasia or cancer.