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Endometrial Biopsy

 
Medical Encyclopedia: Endometrial Biopsy
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Definition

Endometrial biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of the endometrium (tissue lining the inside of the uterus) is removed for microscopic examination.

Description

The test is performed by a doctor who specializes in women's reproductive health (an obstetrician/gynecologist). The test is performed either in the doctor's office or in a local hospital. The patient may be asked to take pain medication (like Motrin or Aleve) an hour or so before the procedure. A local anesthetic may be injected into the cervix in order to decrease pain and discomfort during the procedure.

The woman will be asked to lie on her back with knees apart and feet in stirrups. The doctor will first conduct a thorough exam of the pelvic region, including the vulva (the external genitals), vagina, and uterus. A speculum (an instrument that is used to hold the walls of the vagina open) will be inserted into the vagina. A small, hollow plastic tube is then passed into the uterine cavity. A small piece of the uterine lining is sucked out with a plunger that is attached to the tube. Once the sample is obtained, the instruments are removed. The sample is sent to the laboratory for microscopic examination.

The patient may experience some pain when the cervix is grasped. The patient may also feel some cramping, pressure, and discomfort when the instruments are inserted into the uterus and the tissue sample is collected.

— Lata Cherath, PhD


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Medical Test: Endometrial Biopsy
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General information

Where It's DoneWho Does ItHow Long It TakesDiscomfort/Pain
Doctor's office or outpatient clinic.Gynecologist.About 10 minutes.Possible moderate to strong cramping, which can be minimized with a local anesthetic.

Results Ready WhenSpecial EquipmentRisks/ComplicationsAverage Cost
3-5 days.Curette, or catheter attached to a vacuum.Slight risk of heavy bleeding and rare risk of perforation and infection of the uterus.$$

Other names

Uterine biopsy.

Purpose
  • To diagnose the cause of vaginal bleeding, especially in women over 35 who have a family history of endometrial cancer.
  • To help determine the cause of the infertility.
  • To check for any cancerous or precancerous changes in women who are taking estrogen replacement therapy without progesterone.
How it works

A sample of endometrial tissue is removed for examination by a pathologist.

Preparation
  • You undress from the waist down and cover your lap with a sheet.
  • If a local anesthetic is not being used, you may be given a mild painkiller such as ibuprofen 30 minutes before the procedure.
  • You lie on your back on an examination table with your feet in the stirrups as for a pelvic exam.
  • A local anesthetic will then be injected into the cervix.
Test procedure

A narrow, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into the uterus. The other end of the tube is attached to a vacuum. Suction is then used to remove a sample of endometrial tissue.

After the test
  • You are free to leave and return to normal activities.
  • You may experience some bleeding for a day or so, for which you should wear a sanitary napkin (avoid tampons).
  • You may experience some cramping, for which you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen.
  • If you experience heavy bleeding, notify your doctor immediately.
Factors affecting results

Inadequate sample.

Interpretation

The sample will be analyzed by a pathologist for any cancerous or precancerous changes and possibly tested for the presence of hormones.

Advantages

It's quick, accurate, and inexpensive.

Disadvantages
  • It's invasive.
  • As with any biopsy, there is some risk of serious complications.
The next step
  • If the test was done to monitor a woman taking estrogen replacement therapy without progesterone, it may be rescheduled periodically, even if results are normal.
  • If tissue changes are noted, a D & C or other surgical procedure may be scheduled.

DID YOU KNOW?

The endometrial lining provides information about ovulation and hormone activity, which can be useful in determining the cause of infertility.

 
 

 

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Medical Encyclopedia. © 2006 through a partnership of Answers Corporation. All rights reserved.  Read more
Medical Test. The Patient's Guide to Medical Tests by Faculty Members at The Yale University of Medicine and G.S. Sharpe Communications, Inc. Copyright © 1997 by Yale University of Medicine and G.S. Sharpe Communications, Inc. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.  Read more