We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Procedures

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Endometrial Curettage?

Dan Harkins
By
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 15,519
Share

A doctor might suspect endometrial cancer if a thickening of the uterine lining is discovered during an ultrasound test, which is regularly advised for a woman complaining of unusual menstrual bleeding and cramps. Since this is not a foolproof method of diagnosing cancer or gauging the overall health of the womb, an endometrial curettage (EMC) will give doctors a confirming sample of the woman's endometrium — the mucus-producing tissue that lines the fist-sized uterus where a fetus develops. The procedure is performed by dilating the cervix and collecting the sample with one of a few types of vacuum-like devices. This can confirm the presence of cancer as well as rule out other uterine conditions that might need further observation or treatment.

The procedure for an endometrial curettage is largely the same across the medical profession, an outpatient procedure that typically requires no anesthesia. After a woman's legs are in stirrups and a speculum is inserted in her vagina, the doctor dilates her cervix and collects the sample of tissue. The tool used to collect the sample may differ.

A common collection instrument is a pipette, often the commercial brand Pipelle®. This is inserted into the uterus and gently spun, collecting small pieces of tissue from throughout the uterus in a small suction hole on the side of the probe. A lesser-employed method in 2011 uses a curette with a syringe to aid in cutting off a small amount of tissue that is then vacuumed away by the tube. Minor pain has been noted with either approach, more so the curette.

A more pain-free endometrial curettage tool is called TruTest®. This involves a brush that collects tissue from the uterine lining without the need for suction. In 2011, this is widely considered the least invasive way to performing a biopsy or fertility examination of the uterus.

Women in a few stages of life may have to undergo an endometrial curettage test. In some cases, a doctor may be trying to diagnose the cause of a woman's apparent infertility. Other times, the test is used to biopsy potentially cancerous tissue to determine its malignancy. These issues often arise after a bout of unusual bleeding. This might involve post-menopausal menstruation, excessive flow during menstruation, or regular spotting between cycles.

Different diagnostic tests are used to collect tissue samples when cancer is suspected. Colonoscopies and mammograms are other common examinations used to find and treat cancerous growths. Often, ultrasound equipment is used to determine if any suspected growths have formed. For women with endometrial cancer, this may show in ultrasound tests as a thickening of the uterine wall.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Harkins
By Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins, a former military professional, brings his diverse life experiences to his writing. After earning his journalism degree, he spent more than two decades honing his craft as a writer and editor for various publications. Dan’s debut novel showcases his storytelling skills and unique perspective by drawing readers into the story’s captivating narrative.
Discussion Comments
Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins, a former military professional, brings his diverse life experiences to his writing. After earning his...
Learn more
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-endometrial-curettage.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.