Endometriosis is confirmed through a biopsy collected using a surgical procedure called alaparoscopy.
An endometriosis biopsy is different from anendometrialbiopsy.
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Does Biopsy Diagnose Endometriosis?
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The only way to confirm adiagnosis of endometriosisis through surgery, usually a surgery called a laparoscopy.
It is usually performed under general anesthesia.
What Is an Endometrial Biopsy?
An endometrial biopsy is a procedure typically done in a healthcare provider’s office or as an outpatient procedure.
It usually doesn’t require general anesthesia, Rather, local anesthesia is used to numb the area.
During an endometrial biopsy, a very thin, flexible tube is inserted into theuterusthrough the cervix.
A small amount of endometrium is removed using suction.
The tissue sample is then examined under a microscope to check for things like abnormal cells.
Endometriosis vs. Endometrium
While they sound similar, endometriosis and endometrium are two different things.
Endometrium
The endometrium is the lining (mucous membranes) that covers the inner walls of the uterus.
Each menstrual cycle, the endometrium thickens in preparation for the potential implantation of a fertilized egg.
If implantation does not occur, most of the thickened membrane tissue is shed through menstruation.
The hormones estrogen and progesterone regulate the process of thickening and then shedding of the endometrium.
If no pregnancy occurs, a new thickened endometrium is grown with each menstrual cycle.
A speculum is then inserted into the vagina to separate the walls and allow the cervix to be seen.
The cervix is washed with a vinegar-like solution that makes abnormal cells easier to see.
The colposcope does not touch you or go inside the vagina.
The healthcare provider may do a biopsy.
It is usually an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia.
During a laparoscopy:
If a larger opening is needed, alaparotomywill be performed.
Results From Biopsy: Endometriosis vs. Endometrial
Endometriosis biopsies and endometrial biopsies produce different types of results.
Abnormal results from an endometriosis biopsy primarily show the presence of endometriosis tissue.
During surgery, the cancer will be staged to determine if further treatment is needed.
In more advanced cases, additional treatment, such as chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, may be needed.
Summary
The endometrium is the tissue that makes up the lining of the uterus.
The process is repeated each menstrual cycle.
An endometrial biopsy is typically done without the use of general anesthesia.
An endometriosis biopsy is performed under general anesthetic using surgery, typically a laparoscopy.
A small tissue sample is removed through a small incision in the abdomen and tested primarily for endometriosis tissue.
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What does it show?
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Planned Parenthood.What is a colposcopy?
American Society for Reproductive Medicine.Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy (booklet).
Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals.Endometriosis vs. endometrial cancer: key differences you should know.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Endometrial cancer.
