Endometrial Biopsy
An endometrial biopsy is a relatively quick and simple procedure. It can be performed right in your gynecologist’s office, although some cases may need to be done in the hospital.
Endometrial Biopsy Procedure
During an endometrial biopsy, a small sample is taken from the lining of your uterus — the endometrium — so that it can be studied for signs of cellular abnormalities. You might also hear an endometrial biopsy referred to as a uterine biopsy. There could be several reasons why your doctor can recommend a biopsy:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- The unexplained absence of uterine bleeding
- Bleeding after menopause
A biopsy can also allow your doctor to check for endometriosis, adenomyosis, or endometrial cancer. It’s also a test to determine the effectiveness of hormone therapy.
Whats Is the Difference Between Endometrial Biopsy and Colposcopy
Unlike a colposcopy, an endometrial biopsy is used to help diagnose problems in your uterus. While both procedures can be helpful in determining the cause of unexplained or irregular vaginal bleeding, a colposcopy focuses solely on the cervix itself.
This is another difference between an endometrial biopsy and colposcopy: an endometrial biopsy removes cells from your uterine lining, not from your cervix. Depending on your symptoms, you may require both colposcopy and an endometrial biopsy. Both procedures help your Viva Eve gynecologist diagnose gynecologic issues, such as:
- Cervical inflammation
- Polyps
- Uterine fibroids
- Warts
Facts & Statistics
An endometrial biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose uterine cancer, and the results are up to 95 percent accurate.
It is normal to have some mild cramping and spotting or vaginal bleeding for a few days after the procedure.
