An endometrial biopsy is a test used to detect precancerous changes or cancer in the cells forming the uterine lining. It’s a short outpatient procedure in which a thin tube is inserted through the cervix to collect a tissue sample from the endometrium, which is then sent to the pathology lab for examination.

When Is an Endometrial Biopsy Needed?

A gynecologist in Thane may order an endometrial biopsy to examine the cells forming the lining of the uterus under a microscope. It’s natural to assume that a biopsy is performed when cancer is suspected, but an endometrial biopsy doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. It’s an advanced diagnostic tool used to rule out endometrial hyperplasia, precancerous changes, or endometrial cancer.

Endometrial Biopsy Indication: When Is It Needed?

It’s mainly ordered to check whether the cells that form your uterine lining appear normal. Here are a few reasons your gynecologist might order anendometrial biopsy in Thane:

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Unusual bleeding patterns during your menstrual cycles may require an endometrial biopsy. Bleeding between periods, heavy bleeding, bleeding lasting longer than usual, bleeding after sex, or irregular periods are all considered abnormal uterine bleeding. For post-menopausal women, any kind of vaginal bleeding is seen as abnormal.

This doesn’t mean all abnormal bleeding patterns require a biopsy. Your gynecologist will consider your age, how long the bleeding has lasted, your medical history, and other symptoms before ordering a biopsy.

Bleeding After Menopause

Menopause is when you have gone 12 consecutive months without menstruation. Once menopause has occurred, any new vaginal bleeding shouldn’t be assumed to be a period. Instead, doctors recommend having post-menopausal vaginal bleeding evaluated promptly. This is done through a combination of tests, including transvaginal ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, and in selected cases, hysteroscopy.

Abnormal Ultrasound Results

If your ultrasound results show an abnormal endometrial stripe, further investigations may be needed, especially in post-menopausal women. In others, however, the endometrial lining keeps changing through the menstrual cycle. It gets thicker around ovulation and sheds if pregnancy doesn’t occur. Still, if the lining seems abnormal in any way on an ultrasound, an endometrial biopsy can be used to ensure the endometrial cells are normal and healthy.

How is Endometrial Biopsy Performed?

Endometrial biopsy in Thane is a straightforward procedure, usually taking around 5-15 minutes. Here’s what you can expect:

You will lie down just like you would for a Pap smear
The gynecologist will gently insert a speculum, a device that separates the vaginal walls to give a clear view of the cervix
They will clean the cervix with an antiseptic solution before gently passing a thin, flexible tube through the cervical opening to the uterus.
The healthcare provider may then move the device around to collect the tissue sample. It can cause mild cramping briefly.
Once the tissue sample is collected, they will remove the device along with the speculum. Light vaginal bleeding can occur after biopsy and might last for some time. Your gynecologist will provide instructions on when and how you can return to your normal activities.

The tissue sample is sent to the laboratory where it’s assessed under a microscope to identify the signs of precancerous changes or an existing cancer. The results might take 7-10 days, although it can be stretched to 2 weeks if the sample requires additional testing.