Endometrial cancer is rare, which mainly affects women. It develops due to change or mutation of healthy uterine cells. They are abnormal, which can grow and multiply with each other and form tumors. It causes vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain if left untreated.

Endometrial biopsy is its best treatment method. It checks uterus issues by removing a small sample tissue from the endometrium. A sample is sent to the lab for examination and the abnormal cells can be checked under the microscope. The effect of hormones is also identified on the endometrium.

What is Endometrium?

An endometrium is a tissue which is lined with a woman’s uterus or womb. It prepares an environment for a fertilized egg when it grows and thickens. The fertilization is most essential for pregnancy otherwise it affects your menstrual period due to thin endothelium. This problem is rare and causes infertility, recurrent miscarriages etc., in females.

It may also lead to endometrial cancer which cannot be managed easily and become harmful for the health. Women face trouble during pregnancy while giving birth to their child.

Types

Biopsy consists of different types. These include the following:

Dilation & Curettage: A long and spoon shaped instrument known as curette is attached for tissue removal in the uterus. This operation can be applicable for the analysis of infectious signs and cancer.
Pipelle biopsy: In this procedure, the doctor inserts a thin-straw-like instrument known as pipelle with an uterus so that they can take samples for the identification of abnormal cells or cancer. It is less invasive and more convenient as compared to dilation & curettage procedure. Its other name is aspiration biopsy.
TruTest: A Tao Brush is inserted into the uterus for the collection of endometrium samples. It is less painful and recommended as an alternative method for patients.
Hysteroscopy-guided biopsy: Doctor uses a thin, flexible and lighted tube known as hysteroscope to take a sample tissue from the endometrium. This therapy is suggested for polyps, fibroids and other common abnormalities management in female patients.

Why perform this surgery?

Doctor recommends this treatment method for the management of several issues. These are as follows:

Endometrial cancer
Absence of uterine bleeding
Unexplained pelvic pain
Abnormal menstrual bleeding
Fertility issues
Bleeding after menopause

Advantages

The benefits of this medical procedure are the following:

It is an effective treatment, which can diagnose uterine conditions early.
This minimally invasive procedure provides accurate information about the health of the lining of an uterus.
The uterine infection and the hormonal therapy effects can be identified easily.
It is not only applicable for cancer treatment but also diagnoses heavy menstrual bleeding and other common issues in female patients.

Risks and Complications

Biopsy is considered safe and effective but it leads to various complications as other treatments. These are as follows:

Dizziness or light-headedness
Puncture in uterine walls
Mild to moderate cramping
Light vaginal bleeding
Pelvic infection

Before Procedure

You are suggested to meet with a healthcare provider to discuss the medical history and the medications or supplements you take. If you are troubled with allergies or stop taking certain medicines, then let them know before biopsy.

Some of them recommended ibuprofen as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug for pain-reliever. A medicine which is prescribed for biopsy preparation can be taken one and two days before the surgical procedure.

If you have any questions, then don’t hesitate and feel free to ask your provider. This procedure is safe and low in risk for patients.

During Procedure

Biopsy never requires anesthesia and can be performed in a healthcare provider’s office. It depends on an individual’s specific condition and preference of a healthcare provider.

This therapy involves the following steps:

A patient can be undressed fully and wear a hospital gown.
The bladder must be emptied before the surgical procedure.
You will be lying on the table for a pelvic examination.
A speculum will be attached into the vagina for cervix visualization. This process is similar to the Pap test.
An antiseptic solution is used to clean the cervix.
The numbing medicine or spray can be applied to the cervix.
A healthcare provider may use a type of forceps for the biopsy. Some cramps may occur when it is applied.
The thin, rod-like instrument, known as uterine sound, may be inserted through the cervical opening to find uterus’s length and biopsy’s location. This might result in some cramping and a provider will then remove the device.
A small and thin tube known as catheter is attached into the uterus for the collection of endometrial tissue in small pieces.
Depending on the biopsy reason, a provider removes the amount and location of the tissue.
Both catheter and speculum will be removed and then they are placed into a preservative. After that, a provider will send them to a lab for study.

After Procedure

A patient can dress up after the removal of the instruments. Before leaving the room, he or she can feel free to take a rest for a few moments.

If vaginal bleeding occurs, then an individual can wear a sanitary pad immediately. It is normal and mainly happens for a few days after the procedure.

A patient can take pain-reliever for cramping as prescribed by their healthcare provider. Avoid using aspirin or other pain medicine, which can cause bleeding.

Douche, tampons and sexual activity must be prohibited for at least seven days after the surgery. The heavy-lifting objects and other strenuous activities are also kept away for several days.

You can consult with a healthcare provider if you have the following issues: