Pathology

Key Information

cell type, behaviour of tumor (in situ, microinvasive, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia), size of tumor, depth of invasion into cervical stroma, extension beyond cervix, extension into vagina fornices or corpus, location and number of lymph nodes involved, involvement of other pelvic organs (cul-de-sac, parametrium, suspensory ligaments, rectum, bladder, pelvic wall)

Dilatation and Curettage (D & C):
Also called: D and C. Dilation of the cervix and scraping or aspirating the contents for cytologic examination

Key words/involvement: tumor, lesion, mass, neoplastic tissue, atypical epithelium, friable tissue

Other words/no involvement:
If there is no reference to abnormality in the cervix

Fractional Curettage:
Separate scraping of material from the endocervix and walls of uterus in a set order to determine which site may be the source of the malignancy. This is the preferred diagnostic procedure for endometrial cancer.

Key words/involvement:
Tumor, lesion, mass, chunky material, neoplastic tissue, abnormal tissue, gray, necrotic,
or friable tissue

Other words/no involvement:
If there is no reference to abnormality in the endometrium or endocervix

Cytology Reports

Peritoneal/pelvic Washings

Pap Smear:
Aspiration, scraping or brushing of the cervix for cytologic evaluation. PAP smear is not a reliable method for ruling out endometrial cancer when used by itself.

Click here to view the Pathology page of the Diagnostic Tests module for more information.