The main aim of investigating women with abnormal uterine bleeding is to exclude serious intrauterine pathology, particularly endometrial cancer. Endometrial assessment has traditionally been achieved by obtaining tissue for histological analysis utilising blind in-patient dilatation of the cervix and curettage of the endometrium under general anaesthesia. This procedure is now generally accepted as outmoded practice associated with unnecessary morbidity and cost and has been largely replaced by minimally invasive out-patient or ‘ambulatory’ diagnostic modalities. These modalities include transvaginal ultrasonography, out-patient hysteroscopy and miniature endometrial biopsy. The most controversial debate has centred on how best to image the uterine cavity with advocates of hysteroscopy and ultrasonography holding apparently implacable views. However, the concept of hysteroscopy and ultrasonography as competing tests may be misplaced, and perhaps they should be viewed as complementary diagnostic tools. To help us answer such questions requires an appraisal of the available evidence. In this way, a more rational approach to investigating women for endometrial cancer is possible based on the clinical and economic performance of hysteroscopy and ultrasonography. This review assesses the evidence and suggests approaches available to gynaecologists for the diagnostic work-up of women suspected to have endometrial cancer utilising hysteroscopy and ultrasonography.

Keywords:
Uterine bleeding, Endometrial cancer, Hysteroscopy, out-patient, Ultrasonography, transvaginal
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel
2006
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.