It is not easy to screen for Uterine Cancer in women who do not show any signs or symptoms. Initial screening is advised to increase chances of getting the maximum benefit from treatment options and ensure better survival strategy. Although routinely suggested for almost all female related issues, the Pap test is not a specialized screening test for uterine cancer.
In case your gynecologist feels that you may be at high risk for uterine cancer, you may be suggested for endometrial biopsy or a trans-vaginal ultrasound, which are specific tests for uterine cancer screening.
Transvaginal ultrasound
Specifically used for detecting uterine cancer, it is a procedure to carry out extensive examination of the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and bladder, hence also referred to as endo-vaginal ultrasound.
In this procedure, an ultrasound probe connected to a computer is inserted into the vagina and moved around to show different organs. Each organ would bounce back high energy sound waves to make echoes that form a sonogram (computer picture). Most of the cancerous growth and tumors can be identified by looking at the sonogram. Based on the sonogram report, the doctor would rule out presence of uterine cancer, or may suggest undergoing further confirmatory tests. This is specifically used for screening women who have reported high incidence of vaginal bleeding. It is also advised for women who are at risk for hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer; here the tests should begin at an early age.
Endometrial sampling
This involves removal of uterine tissue with the help of a brush, or thin, flexible tube. The tube is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus and used to gently scrape a small amount of tissue from the endometrium. The tissue is then studied under a microscope by a pathologist who screens the tissue for presence of cancerous tissue. It also is used to screen uterine cancer for women with abnormal vaginal bleeding.
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