can polyps cause thickened endometrial lining?

Hi all,
Haven't been here in a while. In 2008/2009 ultrasounds showed a thickened endometrial lining. I also had some spotting at the time. My doctor did a d&c in Feb. of 2009. He said he removed a pretty big polyp and that I was fine now and I should just come back in a year for my yearly exam. No further ultrasounds were ordered after the d&c. I remember asking if the polyp was the cause of the thickened endo lining showing up on the ultrasound and he said yes. I just took his word for it and didn't worry about it after that. I did not have any spotting after that either. Well its been 18 months and I just went for my yearly exam today. I thought for sure he would have ordered an ultra sound just to make sure everything was ok, but he didn't. When I asked him about further testing, he said he took out the polyp last year and I'm fine now and I shouldn't have any further tests unless I have spotting or discharge. I'm still concerned that I might have a thickened endo lining that's slipping by him. In my mind a thickened endo lining and polyps are two different things. Does anyone know if a polyp could make your endo lining look thick on an ultrasound? And shouldn't he have ordered another ultrasound just to make sure everything is ok now?

I can only relay what I was told about my thick endometrium. I was told it could be hyperplasia, polyps, or cancer. Mine was cancer, so I don't have experience with polyps. It seems reasonable to followup although I was told if I had polyps they'd be removed and then I'd be done unless I bled again, which sounds like what you're being told. I understand being concerned, esp since its an easy test. I hope your Dr can explain the reasoning so you have peace of mind.

Hi Abbydo - all I can contribute is that my ultrasound results noted a "thickened endometrium" and that following my LSH, the report commented on polyps as well as the fibroids. I wouldn't want to speculate though, that it was the polyps that resulted in that comment, and due to my significant fibroid issues I have no idea whether any of my symptoms were polyp-related.

Are you able to have another conversation with your doctor about this? I know some doctors are far more accessible than others - perhaps he would be willing to talk on the phone with you, even?

My doctor thought that I had polyps but when she did the D&C it revealed that I had very thickened lining. It turned out to be uterine cancer.

I don't think it is unreasonable to have an ultrasound to check your thickened endometrium. I would request one if I were in your situation. If your doctor will not order one, is there another doctor you could see?

Did your doctor explain any further how he was sure the thickened lining was polyp-related. Some doctors are easier to talk to than others, but you deserve an explanation.

There are probably a number of women who post here, especially those who are post-menopausal, who wish their gynecologists had not been so so chary with ultrasound. It's usually a simple, non-invasive procedure.

Hi I am too in the middle of this, I go for operative hysteroscopy on Thursday, with no diagnosis, but my doc is "sure" it is polyps.

What I can contribute is that if the thinkened endometrium is caused by polyps, it most likely will not be uniform thickening. You should request a copy of your last sonogram from the radiologist and read his remarks, if you haven't already, it will usually say something like "focal thickening the largest is 15mm" or something like that to describe if the thickening is uniform or not.

I don't think it is unreasonable for you to ask your gyno for a follow-up ultrasound to ease your mind. You are paying for it right? (or your insurance is) I think I would just work a little harder on convincing your doctor that peace of mind has a price and you are willing to pay it!