Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3785 LivesSaved
3568 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
I had an endometrial biopsy two and a half weeks ago. Doctor said the fact that it was difficult to acquire a good-sized sample was a positive sign (ie. probably not endometrial cancer), so I relaxed and stopped worrying. Sort of. Just now, out of curiosity, googled the significance of endometrial cells found on a Pap test and found that it is suggestive of possible hyperplasia/cancer for post menopausal women, which I am. Ack! My family doc told me that my Pap was normal. Didn't mention the presence of endometrial cells, let alone their potential significance.
In short, I am now feeling somewhat concerned. I appreciate that my doctors don't want me worrying unduly, but I wish they'd be a bit more factual in communicating test results. I do better with facts.
Which leads me to my questions for this forum: I'm currently scheduled for a follow-up appointment to get the results of my endometrial biopsy approx. one month after the biopsy itself. Is this wait time normal? If the results are abnormal in any way, will I be notified more quickly? Is my doctor correct in saying that a difficult to obtain biopsy sample is a positive sign ( ie. no cancer)?
I would really appreciate any information you could provide.
With many thanks,
Sue
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment1 Comments
Hi Sue,
Welcome to EmpowHER and thanks for posting your question with us!
What was the reason for your biopsy? Were there initially abnormal results in your routine pap?
With an endometrial biopsy, doctors can take a sample of the lining of your uterus then look at it under a microscope and see if there are any abnormal cells. This helps doctors be proactive if there are abnormal results to help patients get help right away.
Waiting for results can be the hardest part as you are wondering what they are, so that is understandable that you are nervous. I checked a few sources for more info on the wait time to receive results. Most of them said that results take up to a week, so a month does seem a bit long.
Does your doctor require that you set an appointment to hear the results in person or can they give them to you over the phone earlier?
You can always call your doctor as well and ask about the delay. Perhaps they are willing to review them with you earlier since it has taken a while. The uncertainty of waiting can be very stressful and cause some anxiety many patients experience.
I would give your doctor a call to inquire about the delay. Typically if there was something serious and abnormal, a doctor would need to tell you right away rather than waiting a month for your appointment.
Endometrial biopsies can be ordered for reasons besides endometrial cancer as well. Especially during menopause, women experience hormonal changes, and endometrial biopsies can test for low estrogen or progesterone which there are treatments available for.
Please keep us updated on your results and your conversation with your doctor about the length of time it has taken to receive results!
Best,
November 6, 2016 - 6:07pmErin
This Comment