This helps to categorize the disease by stage and grade and directs the type of treatment that will be needed. If the diagnosis is cancer, additional testing will be performed to discover how far the disease has grown. Results of these tests can help determine your treatment options.Īfter diagnostic tests are done, your doctor will review the results with you. This may also be called molecular testing of the tumor. Your doctor may recommend running laboratory tests on a tumor sample to identify specific genes, proteins, and other factors unique to the tumor. MRI is often used in people with low-grade uterine cancer (see Stages and Grades) to see how far the cancer has grown into the wall of the uterus.īiomarker testing of the tumor. MRI is very useful for getting detailed images if the treatment plan will include hormone management (see Types of Treatment).

Like with a CT scan, a special dye called a contrast medium can be given intravenously or orally before the scan to create a clearer picture. MRI can be used to measure the tumor’s size. An MRI uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed images of the body. This dye is most commonly injected into a patient’s vein, but it can also be given as a pill or liquid to swallow. Sometimes, a special dye called a contrast medium is given before the scan to provide better detail on the image. A CT scan can be used to measure the tumor’s size. A computer combines these pictures into a detailed, 3-dimensional image that shows any abnormalities or tumors. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body using x-rays taken from different angles. If the endometrium looks too thick, the doctor may decide to perform a biopsy (see above).Ĭomputed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. In a transvaginal ultrasound, an ultrasound wand is inserted into the vagina and aimed at the uterus to take pictures. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of internal organs. After endometrial tissue has been removed, during a biopsy or D&C, the sample is checked by a pathologist for cancer cells, endometrial hyperplasia, and other conditions. During a hysteroscopy, the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a light on it through the cervix into the vagina and uterus. A D&C is often done in combination with a hysteroscopy so the doctor can view the lining of the uterus during the procedure. The patient is given anesthesia during the procedure to block the awareness of pain. A D&C is a procedure to remove tissue samples from the uterus. People who have abnormal vaginal bleeding before the test may still need a dilation and curettage (D&C see below), even if no abnormal cells are found during the biopsy.ĭilation and curettage (D&C). Endometrial biopsy is often a very accurate way to diagnose uterine cancer. These symptoms should go away soon and can be reduced by taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) as directed by the doctor. Afterward, you may have cramps and vaginal bleeding. The tube is inserted into the vagina to reach the uterus through the cervix, and the tissue is removed with suction. A pathologist is a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells and tissue samples to diagnose disease.įor an endometrial biopsy, the doctor removes a small sample of tissue with a very thin tube. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a definite diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Sometimes, a Pap test may find abnormal glandular cells, which are caused by uterine cancer.Įndometrial biopsy. A Pap test, often done with a pelvic examination, is primarily used to check for cervical cancer. The doctor feels the uterus, vagina, ovaries, and rectum to check for any unusual findings. In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose uterine cancer: Your doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test: Not all tests described here will be used for every person. There are many tests used for diagnosing uterine cancer. If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor may suggest other tests that will help make a diagnosis. In a biopsy, the doctor takes a small sample of tissue for testing in a laboratory. Doctors may also do tests to learn which treatments could work best.įor most types of cancer, a biopsy is the only sure way for the doctor to know if an area of the body has cancer. If the cancer has spread, it is called metastasis. They do tests to learn whether cancer has spread to a different part of the body from where it started. Use the menu to see other pages.ĭoctors use many tests to find, or diagnose, cancer. ON THIS PAGE: You will find a list of common tests, procedures, and scans that doctors use to find the cause of a medical problem.

Endo biopsy