Contents:
Medical Video: Endometrial Biopsy
Definition
What is endometrial biopsy?
Endometrial biopsy is a method used by doctors to take small samples at the border of your uterine (endometrial) wall. The sample will be examined in more detail using a microscope to look for abnormal cells. Endometrial biopsy helps your doctor find problems in the border of your uterine wall. This check will also help the doctor to check the balance of the body's hormone levels that affect your endometrium.
There are several ways to carry out endometrial biosynthesis. Your doctor may use:
- soft pipette shaped like a straw to suck a little sample from the uterine dinsing limit. This method is fast, but may cause cramps
- electronic sucker (Vabra aspiration). This method is fairly uncomfortable
- sprays that will rinse a small portion of the sample from the uterine wall. A brush may be used to remove the sample before rinsing is over
Endometrial biopsy is done to look for causes of abnormal uterine wall bleeding, to check thickening of the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium hyperplasia), or to look for possible cancer.
For complaints of difficulty getting pregnant, an endometrial biopsy can be done to check whether your uterine wall can support the pregnancy process.
Endometrial biopsy is sometimes performed in conjunction with other medical tests, namely hysteroscopy, which is used by doctors to look at the uterine wall through a small, irradiated tube.
When should I have an endometrial biopsy?
Endometrial biopsy is done to find the cause of the conditions below:
- abnormal menstrual period
- bleeding after menopause
- bleeding after taking hormone therapy
- thickening of the inner lining of the uterus seen on ultrasound
This examination is usually done on women aged 35 years and over.
Biopsies can also be done to test endometrial cancer.
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing endometrial biopsy?
A biopsy cannot be done during pregnancy. More samples can be taken during the dilation and curettage (D & C) procedure than using a biopsy. Other tests, hysteroscopy, are usually done with D & C so the doctor can see the border of your uterine wall. Endometrial biopsy is usually not done during or after menopause, unless you suffer from abnormal bleeding in the vagina.
Process
What should I do before undergoing an endometrial biopsy?
Inform all the medicines you are taking, including blood thinning drugs such as warfariin, clopidigrel, and aspirin. You may be required to undergo a pregnancy test before a biopsy procedure. Two days before the biopsy, do not apply creams or other medicines to your vagina. Do not use vaginal douche. (Never use vaginal douche. Rinsing the vagina using a douche can cause an infection of the vagina or uterus.)
Consult your doctor about the need to take painkillers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, before the procedure.
What is the process of endometrial biopsy?
The procedure is done by the obstetrician in the hospital, your personal doctor, or the nurse expert who has done biopsy training before. Your sample will be examined and tested by a pathologist. A biopsy can be done in your doctor's room. You are required to undress from the waist down, and given a cloth to cover it. Then, you will be asked to lie on the examination table, with your feet raised and supported.
The doctor will insert a device, a speculum camera, which has been lubricated into your vagina. The device will slowly separate the vaginal walls so that your doctor can see the inside of the vagina and cervix. The cervix will be rinsed with a special liquid and will be clamped so as not to escape with a clamp, called tenaculum. Your cervix may be made numb with spray or injection of local anesthetic. Tools for taking samples will be guided through the cervix to the uterus. The tool will be swiped up and down to take samples. Most women experience abdominal cramps during the procedure.
The biopsy procedure takes 5 - 15 minutes.
What should I do after undergoing an endometrial biopsy?
You may feel pain in your vagina for 1-2 days. Vaginal bleeding or the buttocks is normal for up to 1 week after a biopsy. You can use sanitary napkins to treat bleeding. It is not recommended to do strenuous exercise or manual work the day after the procedure. Also not recommended for sexual activity, using tampons, or using douche until the spots run out.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
Lab test results can be received a few days after the procedure.
Normal results
No abnormal cells or cancer found. For women who have regular cycles, the lining of the uterine wall is in a stage that matches the menstrual cycle.
Abnormal results
Detected growth of non-cancerous polyps.
There is thickening of the uterine wall (endometrial hyperplasia).
Cancer is detected or active cancer cells are at risk of growing.
For women who have regular menstrual cycles, the lining of the uterine wall is not in the stage that corresponds to the menstrual cycle. Need a few more tests to make sure.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
