What Is Endocervical Curettage Used in Diagnosing Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer can be investigated using a diagnostic procedure called endocervical curettage, which involves taking a tissue sample from the cervical canal with a curette; it is therefore a type of biopsy. The curette, a narrow, spoon-shaped medical instrument used to collect tissue, scrapes the mucosal lining of the endocervical canal, the passage between the cervix and the uterus. This procedure removes a small tissue sample from the cervix, which is examined in a pathology laboratory to determine whether any abnormal cells, such as cancer cells, are present.

If a previous Pap smear test produced abnormal results or an abnormality is noticed during a gynecological pelvic examination, the gynecologist performs endocervical curettage during a procedure called colposcopy.

What Is Colposcopy?

Colposcopy is an examination using a special magnifying instrument resembling both a microscope and binoculars to investigate possible cellular changes and suspected cancer in the cervix.

Abnormal smear results should be confirmed through colposcopic examination, a more detailed investigative method, with a biopsy taken during the examination to establish a definitive diagnosis. During colposcopy, special dyes and chemicals are applied to the cervix to make suspicious areas more visible, produce a distinctive appearance and facilitate biopsy sampling.

How Do You Prepare for Endocervical Curettage?

You should schedule your examination outside your menstrual period, as menstruation makes it difficult for your doctor to see the area requiring examination and can affect the accuracy of the procedure’s results.

Make sure you follow these important instructions before the procedure:

• Do not use aspirin or blood thinners before this procedure.
• Do not use tampons or douche for at least three days before the procedure.
• Do not have sexual intercourse for at least three days before the procedure.

You may need someone to accompany you home after this procedure, so plan accordingly.

During the Endocervical Curettage Procedure

This procedure takes only a few minutes. In fact, in most cases, the tissue sample can be taken within a few seconds. Endocervical curettage is performed in a special examination chair. Vinegar or an iodine solution may be applied to the biopsy area to remove the mucus layer from the cervix and vagina and provide a better view. This procedure is usually painless and does not require anesthesia.

After a Biopsy by Endocervical Curettage

For a few days after this procedure, you may experience pain resembling menstrual cramps and mild discomfort. Ask your doctor whether taking a pain reliever may help your symptoms. Vaginal bleeding or discharge may occur after the procedure, so you may need to use a pad. To allow rapid healing, for a while you should not have sexual intercourse, use tampons or douche. If you experience heavy vaginal bleeding, severe lower abdominal pain, fever or chills, contact your doctor immediately.

You may feel anxious while waiting for endocervical curettage results. However, it is helpful to remember that nearly half of abnormal Pap smears result from inflammation or vaginal infection. To cope more easily with stress about the procedure or its results, you can talk to a counselor, join a support group, do gentle exercise and eat more nutritious foods. Finally, establishing regular bedtimes is recommended so you can get the sleep you need.

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