How to Test for Endometrial Cancer After Ablation

According to the Mayo Clinic, endometrial cancer, a fairly common type of cancer, is one that begins in the lining of a woman's uterus, leading to symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, localized pain in the hips and pelvis, weight loss and possible pain occurring during intercourse. An ablation is a procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus, used to control episodes of particularly heavy vaginal bleeding. Although cancer detection is more difficult following an ablation, it is still possible.

Instructions

Testing for Cancer Following an Ablation

• 1

  Consider imaging tests to provide a fairly noninvasive method of detecting abnormalities in the uterus. According to the American Cancer Society, the imaging tests most commonly used to detect Endometrial Cancer include an ultrasound (utilization of sound waves to create an internal image of the body), cystoscopy or proctoscopy (use of a lighted tube inserted into the body to detect cancer where it is suspected of having spread), computed tomography (X-rays used to create an image of the uterus) or an MRI (magnetic waves used to image the inside of the body). These tests can provide an idea of whether there is a condition that would warrant further, more invasive, testing.

• 2

  Consider blood testing in conjunction with the aforementioned minimally invasive procedures to provide a better picture of whether cancer is present in the uterus. The main blood test to consider is called the CA125 test. CA125 is a chemical that is released into the blood by many types of endometrial cancers. However, you should know that not all types of endometrial cancers release this chemical, so a clean bill of health on your blood test does not conclusively mean that cancer is not present, which is why it should only be used in conjunction with other testing methods.

• 3

  Consider invasive detection methods such as a uterine biopsy to provide a final answer on whether endometrial cancer exists after an ablation. During a biopsy, the physician will scrape away a small portion of the cells from the uterus for laboratory testing. Although the ablation will make it more difficult to detect endometrial cancer early, this is still a viable test for individuals thus situated, but it should not be used as the sole determinate of whether cancer is present. Always use a conjunction of the three methods listed to provide the final word on whether endometrial cancer is present in individuals who have had an ablation.