Pathology

Key Information

Cell type, size of tumor, depth of invasion into uterine wall, involvement of myometrium (inner half or outer half), involvement of uterine serosal surface, extension into cervix, location and number of lymph nodes involved, involvement of other pelvic organs (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/possible 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/possible 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
• Pap Smear
• Endometrial or Pelvic Washings

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