How is an Ultrasound Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer Performed?
Endometrial Cancer Overview
Endometrial cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the tissue lining of the uterus (womb), which is the pear-shaped organ located in the female pelvis to nourish and grow the fetus. The uterus has the inner membrane called the endometrium. Endometrial cancer is commonly referred to as adenocarcinoma, which means the cancer originated in glanular tissue. Click on image to enlarge.
Because of the symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding and vaginal discharge between menstrual periods or after menopause, this cancer enables detection at an early stage. This would lead to a better and quicker recovery. If the doctor suspects you have the cancer, he or she might refer you to undergo an ultrasound.
Ultrasound Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer
Ultrasound or ultrasonography is a procedure using high-frequency sound waves instead of radiation to produce pictures inside the body. It is a diagnostic method that helps diagnose many conditions and diseases. The procedure uses sonar technology to produce the image. When it comes to detecting endometrial cancer, the doctor might recommend you undergo a transvaginal ultrasound. This type of ultrasound involves a probe that is placed into the vagina. The sound waves it sends out will provide images of the woman’s reproductive organs, including the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
How is the Procedure Performed?
You need to wear loose-fitting clothing or a hospital gown before undergoing the diagnosis. The doctor might have you drink several glasses of water because a full bladder provides a clearer view of your pelvis. Then, the doctor asks you to lie supine on a table and put your legs in stirrups. Alternatively, the doctor puts a bolster under your hips to raise the pelvic organs, allowing for the use of the probe. He or she would insert a tubular probe, known as a transducer, into the vagina. A lubricated condom completely covers this electrical device.
If you feel uncomfortable, you may choose to insert the probe yourself after consulting the doctor. Once the transducer is inserted, it emits inaudible sound waves and records the echoing waves. It leads them to rebound from pelvic organs, allowing a microphone in the transducer to convert sound waves into an electric current. A computer receives these sounds and generates color pictures or graphs called sonograms. The doctor can notice them on a TV monitor.
Who Analyzes the Results?
After undergoing this diagnostic test, a radiologist will interpret and analyze the images. This information will be sent to your doctor. A radiologist is a physician who specializes in analyzing and evaluating medical images.
What Do the Results Mean?
Normal results mean the structure examined is of normal appearance and size without growth of masses or unusual thickness. However, abnormal results mean there are growths of masses and unusual thickness.
What are the Benefits and Risks?
Benefits of the ultrasound procedure include:
- The procedure is harmless because it does not use any radioactive substances (radiation).
- The procedure is harmless and painless.
- The procedure provides clearer images than x-ray images.
Risks involve false positive results. If so, you may need further examinations such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
References
The National Cancer Institute: Endometrial Cancer Screening - https://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/endometrial/Patient/page3
Radiologyinfo.org: What is Pelvic Ultrasound Imaging? - https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=pelvus
Healthline.com: Transvaginal Ultrasound - https://www.healthline.com/galecontent/transvaginal-ultrasound
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of the National Library of Medicine.