Endometrial
Biopsy
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What is the
test?
Doctors take biopsies of areas that look abnormal
and use them to detect cancer, precancerous cells,
infections, and other conditions. For some biopsies,
the doctor inserts a needle into the skin and
draws out a sample; in other cases, tissue is
removed during a surgical procedure.
This test takes a tissue sample from the lining
of your uterus (the endometrium) to evaluate
it for problems, including endometrial cancer,
that might explain unusual bleeding.
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How
do I prepare for the test?
If you are not bleeding heavily, you might want
to take an NSAID medicine such as ibuprofen one
to two hours before the test, to reduce the possibility
of uterine cramps during the procedure. Ask your
physician for a recommendation ahead of time.
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What
happens when the test is performed?
This test is performed in the doctor's office.
It begins with a pelvic examination (see page
44). Then, after cleaning your vagina and cervix
(the entrance to the uterus, visible from your
vagina) with antibacterial soap, the doctor might
put a clamp on your cervix to hold it steady.
He or she inserts a flexible, sterile plastic
instrument called a pipelle, which looks like
a drinking straw, through the opening in your
cervix and positions it several inches into the
uterus. Then the doctor pulls a thin wire out
of the center of the pipelle. As the rod is pulled
out, the pipelle becomes hollow and creates suction,
drawing some of the cells from the lining of
your uterus into the pipelle. To get a good sample,
the doctor will move the pipelle forward and
backward a few times before removing it. The
cell sample is deposited in some fluid to be
examined later under a microscope. The entire
procedure takes about 10 minutes.
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What
risks are there from the test?
You might have pelvic cramps (sometimes intense)
during the procedure and sometimes for a day
or two afterward; you may also experience a small
amount of vaginal bleeding. It is extremely rare
to have heavy bleeding or to develop an infection
that needs treatment.There is also a small risk
of disturbing a very early pregnancy. To guard
against this, your doctor might order a pregnancy
test before performing the biopsy.
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Must
I do anything special after the test is over?
Call your doctor if you develop a fever of over
100° F, or if you have vaginal bleeding that
lasts longer than two days or is heavier than
your normal menstrual period. Your doctor may
also recommend avoiding sexual intercourse until
two or three days after any bleeding has stopped.
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How
long is it before the result of the test is
known?
It usually takes four to seven working days
for the doctor to get the final report.
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