A biopsy is a medical procedure used to remove a sample of tissue from the patient to be analyzed and diagnosed by a physician. An endometrial biopsy is the only procedure used to discover endometrial cancer. It is only given to high-risk patients. Endometrial cancer is diagnosed in about 39,000 women every year in the USA. Endometrial cancer refers to several types of malignancy which arise from the Endometrium, or lining of the Uterus. [1]
Reasons for an Endometrial Biopsy
- Evaluation and Treatment of Infertility
If taken several days before menstruation, the biopsy can show the response to estrogen and progesterone to see if ovulation has occurred. Female infertility|Male infertility Infertility primarily refers to the biological inability of a Man or a Woman to contribute to conception. See also "Mensuration" a term sometimes used to describe Measurement, particularly in the context of Forestry. Note This article deals primarily with Human ovulation nonhuman Animal ovulation is touched on briefly at the conclusion
- Abnormal menstruation (Heavy bleeding, abnormal bleeding, absence of bleeding and bleeding after menopause)
The biopsy will indicate a change in hormone levels or the presence of fibroids, polyps or other abnormal tissues. Uterine fibroids (singular Uterine Fibroma) ( leiomyomata, singular leiomyoma) are Benign Tumors which grow from the muscle layers of In Zoology, a polyp is one of two forms of individuals found in many species of Cnidarians The two are the polyp or hydroid and the medusa.
The biopsy can determine the effects of the therapy to the patient’s reproductive system. Hormone replacement therapy may refer to Hormone replacement therapy (menopause Hormone replacement therapy (female-to-male
The biopsy may discover the presence of cancer cells in the endometrium or cervix. Cancer (medical term Malignant Neoplasm) is a class of Diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled
Endometrial Biopsy Procedure
Generally, an endometrial biopsy follows this process:
1. The patient will be asked to undress and lie on the table with her feet in the stirrups for a pelvic examination. A pelvic examination, also pelvic exam, is a Physical examination of the Female pelvic organs Broadly it can be divided into She may or may not be given localized anesthesia. Anesthesia, or anaesthesia (see spelling differences; from Greek grc αν- an-, "without" and grc αἲσθησις
2. A speculum will be inserted into the vagina to spread the walls of the vagina apart to expose the cervix. The cervix (from Latin "neck" is the lower narrow portion of the Uterus where it joins with the top end of the Vagina. The cervix will then be cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
3. A tenaculum, a type of forceps, will hold the cervix steady for the biopsy.
4. A pipelle, a thin tube also called a catheter, will be inserted into the uterus. In Medicine a catheter is a tube that can be inserted into a body cavity duct or vessel A smaller tube (internal piston) inside the pipelle will be withdrawn to create suction. The pipelle be will rotated and moved in and out to collect small pieces of endometrial tissue. Cramping may occur.
5. The removed tissue will be placed in a preservative.
6. The tissue will be sent to a laboratory, where it will be processed and tested. It will then be read microscopically by a pathologist who will determine the diagnosis. Pathology (from Greek grc πάθος pathos, "fate harm" and grc -λογία -logia) is the study and [2]
Recently, the TruTest has been introduced as an alternative method of endometiral biopsy. Rather than using a suction tube, this method uses the Tao Brush to gently brush the lining of the uterus. The Tao Brush is a medical instrument used to perform an alternative method of Endometrial biopsy. Generally, this method has been found to be less painful than the traditional suction method.
References
- ^ [1] Cure Research – Statistics about Endometrial Cancer (accessed 7-10-07)
- ^ [2] St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center – Diagnostic and Surgical Tests and Procedures – Endometrial Biopsy (accessed 7-10-07)
Pain Management
Taking ibuprofen approximately 1 hour prior to the procedure will minimize cramping during and afterwards. The cramping is similar to a bad period. Most women tolerate this procedure well, though some may need to be prescribed heavier pain medication.
Dapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic