What Does an Abnormal Endometrial Biopsy Mean?

At Lawrence Family Practice Center, our caring team of healthcare providers specializes in preventive medicine to ensure minor issues don't become lifelong health problems. If we suspect you may have an issue that originates in your uterine lining (aka the endometrium), we may perform an endometrial biopsy.

Keep reading to find out what an abnormal biopsy result could mean.

What is an endometrial biopsy, and how is it performed?

An endometrial biopsy is performed on females with gynecological issues to help their medical team understand what's causing symptoms, diagnose any conditions, and recommend treatment.

An endometrial biopsy is a quick procedure that takes around 15 minutes.

Our team will do our best to put you at ease as you lie back so we can extract a small tissue sample from the uterine lining. First, we will sanitize the area before using a suction device to remove the cells. It will likely feel like getting an annual pap smear. And while most women do not find them uncomfortable, some experience minor discomfort, cramping, or light bleeding after the procedure.

After the cells are removed, they are sent to a lab for closer examination for cell abnormalities or irregularities. It takes about 7 – 14 days to get your results.

If you have any questions about what to expect during or after an endometrial biopsy, our compassionate team will be happy to give you all the information you need to relieve any anxiety.

What is an endometrial biopsy looking for?

While most patients associate biopsies with suspected cancer, that's not the only reason we perform an endometrial biopsy. The biopsy can reveal the causes of heavy menstrual bleeding or cramping, bleeding after menopause, or the absence of uterine bleeding, in addition to signs of uterine cancer.

An abnormal endometrial biopsy may show the following:

• Benign (noncancerous) cell growth
• Endometrial hyperplasia (a thickening of the endometrium)
• Cell changes linked to hormone fluctuations (which may be crucial for those undergoing hormone therapy)
• Uterine fibroids or polyps
• Uterine infections like endometriosis
• Cancerous and precancerous cell growth

Getting an endometrial biopsy can be stressful, but it's important to get one when it’s recommended. It can help rule out serious conditions such as uterine cancer. This allows our team to continue to look for other explanations for abnormal bleeding or pain a patient is experiencing.

If you do have cancer, there's a good chance of detecting it using an endometrial biopsy. This gives you a better chance of treating it before the cancer spreads.

Get advice on an abnormal endometrial biopsy in Lawrence, KS

It's vital to monitor your gynecological health and get an endometrial biopsy if your healthcare provider suspects it can reveal something about your health. The procedure can help us rule out serious conditions or diagnose them while they are still easily treatable. At Lawrence Family Practice Center, our caring team of healthcare providers is committed to this type of preventive medicine.

Schedule an appointment with our healthcare providers at our office in Lawrence, KS to learn more.