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This is a procedure to remove a tissue sample from the lining of the uterus (womb).
Some reasons for an endometrial biopsy include:
If you are planning to have an endometrial biopsy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.
You may need to schedule the biopsy for a certain time during your menstrual cycle.
Your doctor may do the following:
Leading up to your procedure, you may be advised to:
Usually none is needed. Sometimes local anesthesia is used to numb the cervix.
You will lie on a table with your feet in foot rests. The doctor will use a speculum to look into the vagina. An instrument called a tenaculum will be used to grasp the cervix. A flexible, thin, suction tube will be passed through the vagina and into the uterus. The doctor will suction out a small sample of endometrial tissue.
After the biopsy, you may feel lightheaded. Lying down for 5-10 minutes will help. Once you feel better, you will be able to go home.
About 10-15 minutes
You may feel some cramping and pressure during the biopsy. Your doctor may give you pain medicine after the procedure.
When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
Your doctor will receive results in about a week. She will work with you to create a treatment plan.
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/
References:
Abnormal uterine bleeding. Family Doctor.org. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/reproductive/menstrual/470.html . Updated September 2006. Accessed June 4, 2008.
How is endometrial cancer diagnosed? American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/ . Updated November 2006. Accessed June 4, 2008.
Last reviewed October 2009 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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