Endometrial
Biopsy
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stoppler
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What is an endometrial biopsy?
The uterus (womb) is lined by a special type of tissue known as the endometrium. Endometrial biopsy, or endometrial sampling, is a technique of removing a piece of tissue from the inner lining of the uterus. The sample of tissue is analyzed under a microscope in the laboratory by a pathologist, a doctor with special training in diagnosis of diseases based upon tissue examination.
Why is endometrial biopsy done?
An endometrial biopsy is most often performed to help determine the cause of
abnormal uterine bleeding. It can also be done to help evaluate the cause of infertility, test for uterine infections, and even monitor the response to certain medications.
Endometrial biopsy has many advantages over the more complicated procedure known as
dilation and curettage (D&C), which is a more extensive removal of the uterine lining that requires dilation of the cervical opening with special instruments. Unlike D&C, endometrial biopsy may be performed in the doctor's office and typically does not require anesthesia or hospitalization.
Endometrial biopsy cannot be performed during pregnancy, and sometimes may not be recommended when certain other conditions are present, including
cancer of the cervix or abnormal narrowing (stenosis) of the cervical opening.
How is an endometrial biopsy performed?
Endometrial biopsy is most often done in the physician's office, but it can be
performed on women in the hospital. The patient lies on the examining table in a
position similar to that used for obtaining
Pap smears. The doctor uses a speculum to open the vaginal canal and visualize the
cervix, the opening to the uterus. During endometrial biopsy the doctor inserts a thin plastic or metal tubular device through the cervix into the uterus to remove a tiny piece of the inner lining tissue.
Usually no anesthesia is required, but taking a
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
medication (NSAID) 30 to 60 minutes prior to the procedure can help reduce cramping and pain. In some cases, a small amount of lidocaine anesthetic is inserted into the uterine cavity to minimize discomfort.
What are the risks of endometrial biopsy?
There are very few risks with endometrial biopsy. The leading risk is pain or cramping, but this typically subsides rapidly following the procedure. Other less common risks are feeling faint or light-headed, possible infection, bleeding, and rarely, perforation of the uterus.
Last Editorial Review: 10/15/2008
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C) - Read about dilation and Curettage (D&C), a procedure performed for a variety of reasons including determining the cause of abnormal uterine (vaginal) bleeding, tissue removal after miscarriage, or abortion.
- Endometriosis - Lern about endometriosis symptoms like pelvic pain, infertility, diarrhea, constipation, lower back pain, abdominal pain, irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding, and even blood in the urine.
- Questions To Ask Before Surgery - Surgery questions to ask prior to having a procedure are important. Your surgeon should be available to answer your surgery questions prior to the procedure.
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