Leaflet Details
| Title | Endometrial Biopsy Clinic |
| Department | Gynaecology |
| Author(s) | Ms Enaya Mirza, Lead Gynae-Onc Clinician; Rica Garcia, FDS Nurse Specialist |
| Review Date | July 2024 |
| Next Review | July 2026 |
| Download | A4 Handout PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
What is an endometrial biopsy?
This is a quick and safe procedure which takes a small sample of tissue from the lining of the womb (endometrium). This sample is then sent off to the laboratory to check if you have any cancer or other abnormal cells in the lining of your womb.
The biopsy may give answers to:
- Why you are having abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Why the lining of your womb is thicker than normal on a scan.
Who is the biopsy not suitable for?
The biopsy is not suitable for you if you:
- are pregnant
- have an infection in the vagina or pelvis
What is the benefit?
The benefit of having the biopsy taken is to diagnose any abnormal cells or cancer of the lining of the womb.
What are the risks?
The procedure is generally very safe. There is a small risk of non-severe infection, discomfort during the biopsy. Rarely some women may feel faint for a few minutes after taking the biopsy. There is also a small risk that the biopsy may come back as insufficient for analysis, and more tests will need to be offered subsequently.
Occasionally we are not successful in taking a biopsy. If this is the case, you will be informed, and further investigations will be discussed and arranged for you at your appointment.
What to expect on the day of your appointment
- You will be asked questions with regards to your medical history and symptoms by the doctor or nurse seeing you. The biopsy procedure will be explained in more detail.
- The chaperone nurse who is also in the room will help you get undressed and help you get positioned on the examination couch.
- A speculum will be used to visualise the neck of your womb, or your cervix. This will feel similar to when you have your smears.
- A thin 2 mm plastic tube will be used to gently obtain a sample from inside the womb. This is very quick and takes 5-10 seconds. You will experience 5-10 seconds of discomfort.
- You may wish to take some painkiller like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen 1 hour prior to attending.
- Alternative inhaler pain relief is available for use on the day should you require this.
What to expect after your appointment
- You will be able to return immediately to your usual activities
- You may get some spotting or small amounts of vaginal bleeding following your biopsy. This is normal.
- The results will take approximately 2 weeks to come back and if these are normal you will be sent a letter informing you and discharging you back to your GP.
- If the results are not entirely normal you will be invited back to see us and discuss your results with a doctor either face to face to face or over the phone.
If you have not received your results within 3 weeks, please contact the Gynaecology Administration Team on 01932 722050
You can get further information and advice from:
NHS website:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/womb-cancer/tests-and-next-steps
National Institute of Health: Current role of Pipelle endometrial sampling in early diagnosis of endometrial cancer
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8798375
