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Endometrial biopsy - Results

Alternative Names

Biopsy - endometrium

Normal Values:

The biopsy is normal if the cells in the sample have no abnormalities.

What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal menstrual periods may be caused by:

Endometrial cancer or precancer (hyperplasia)
Uterine fibroids
Uterine polyps
Hormone imbalance

If the lining is being tested for infertility, the sample may determine if hormones are properly stimulating the lining so that the fertilized egg can implant.

Other conditions under which the test may be performed:

Abnormal bleeding if a woman is taking the breast cancer medication, tamoxifen
Anovulatory bleeding
Endometritis

Pelvic laparoscopy

Female reproductive anatomy

Endometrial biopsy

Uterus

Endometrial biopsy

Reviewed last on: 9/2/2009
Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington: Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Katz VL. Diagnostic procedures. Imaging, endometrial sampling, endoscopy: indications and contraindications, complications. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2007: chap 11.

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