Ask a doctor - How is uterine cancer diagnosed?

Q. How is uterine cancer diagnosed?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Diagnosing uterine cancer typically involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests. If a healthcare professional suspects uterine cancer based on symptoms or risk factors, the following steps may be taken to confirm the diagnosis:

1. Medical History and Physical Examination:
- The healthcare provider will review the patient's medical history, including any symptoms, risk factors, and relevant family history.
- A pelvic examination may be conducted to assess the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs for any abnormalities.

2. Transvaginal Ultrasound:
- A transvaginal ultrasound involves the insertion of an ultrasound wand into the vagina to create detailed images of the uterus. This helps identify any abnormalities in the uterine lining or structure.

3. Endometrial Biopsy:
- If the ultrasound suggests thickening of the endometrial lining, an endometrial biopsy may be performed.
- During an endometrial biopsy, a small sample of the uterine lining is obtained using a thin tube or suction device. This sample is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

4. Hysteroscopy:
- A hysteroscopy involves the insertion of a thin, lighted tube (hysteroscope) through the cervix into the uterus. This allows the healthcare provider to visually inspect the uterine lining and take tissue samples for biopsy.

5. Dilation and Curettage (D&C):
- D&C may be performed to obtain a larger sample of the uterine lining. During this procedure, the cervix is dilated, and a curette is used to scrape away tissue from the lining of the uterus.

6. Imaging Studies:
- Additional imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scans, may be ordered to determine the extent of cancer and whether it has spread to other organs.

7. Blood Tests:
- Blood tests may be conducted to measure levels of certain substances, such as CA-125, which may be elevated in some cases of uterine cancer.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the healthcare team will determine the stage of the cancer to guide treatment decisions. Staging involves assessing the size of the tumor, its extent of invasion, and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs. The combination of diagnostic tests helps provide a comprehensive understanding of the disease, allowing for personalized and effective treatment planning.