Health A-Z

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a common gynecological procedure used to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the uterus. Here's how it relates to symptoms, treatment plans, and diagnosis testing.

1. Irregular menstrual bleeding: Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, irregular menstrual cycles, or bleeding between periods.
2. Postmenopausal bleeding: Bleeding from the vagina after menopause, which may indicate abnormal changes in the uterine lining.
3. Miscarriage: D&C may be performed to remove remaining tissue from the uterus after a miscarriage or incomplete abortion.
4. Diagnostic purposes: D&C may be performed to collect tissue samples for further evaluation in cases of abnormal Pap smear results, suspected uterine polyps, or abnormal uterine bleeding of unknown cause.

1. Purpose: The primary purpose of D&C is to remove tissue from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
2. Procedure: During the procedure, the cervix is dilated (widened) using special instruments, and a curette (a spoon-shaped instrument) is used to scrape or suction tissue from the uterine lining. In some cases, a hysteroscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera) may be inserted into the uterus to visualize the uterine lining and guide the procedure.
3. Diagnostic: Tissue collected during D&C is sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination to diagnose underlying conditions such as endometrial hyperplasia, uterine polyps, or endometrial cancer.
4. Therapeutic: D&C may be used to treat certain conditions such as incomplete miscarriage or abnormal uterine bleeding by removing excess tissue from the uterus.

1. Medical history: A detailed history of symptoms, menstrual cycles, and reproductive health is obtained to assess the need for further evaluation and treatment.
2. Physical examination: A pelvic examination may be performed to assess the size, shape, and position of the uterus and to check for any abnormalities or tenderness.
3. Ultrasound: Transvaginal ultrasound may be used to visualize the uterus and assess the thickness of the uterine lining and the presence of any abnormalities, such as polyps or fibroids.