Gynaecology
1. Gynaecological diagnosis
Biopsy
A biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue from the body for microscopic examination
and testing.
Bone Density Test
Bone density measurements are done to determine if you have low bone mass (osteopenia or
osteoporosis). It predicts your risk of future fractures and helps doctors determine if you will
need drug therapy.
Breast Biopsy
This test is done when a mammogram reveals an abnormality in the breast and it cannot be
confirmed as benign (non-cancerous). It involves removing all or part of the abnormal tissue and
may be done by open surgery (with a scalpel) or by one of four needle aspiration techniques: fine
needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, vacuum-assisted biopsy or large core biopsy.
Cervical Biopsy
A cervical biopsy is performed to evaluate abnormal cervical tissue found during a Pap test or
colposcopy.
Colposcopy
This test is usually done if the cervix looks abnormal during a routine examination or if a Pap
test shows abnormal cells. Your doctor may also order it if you have genital warts or if your
mother took DES when pregnant with you. A colposcope is placed in the vagina and used to
magnify the area of the cervix where an abnormality is suspected. If abnormal cells are found,
your doctor may do a biopsy of the area.
Endocervical Curettage (ECC)
This procedure is frequently done in conjunction with a cervical biopsy. It involves taking a
sample of the tissue just past the opening of the cervix as a precaution against missing any
abnormal tissue.
Endometrial or Uterine Biopsy
This test, done to obtain a sample of the endometrial lining of the uterus, may be used to
investigate abnormal menses (heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, post-menopausal
bleeding), infertility and chronic infections. It is useful in detecting uterine polyps,uterine
fibroids, uterine cancer and adenomyosis.
Hysterosalpingography
During this X-ray procedure, dye is injected into the uterus to outline any irregularities of the
uterine wall. The dye may or may not travel through the fallopian passages so they can be
evaluated as well.
Mammogram
This low-dose X-ray provides a picture of the internal structure of the breast. It is used to detect
tumors and cysts.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An MRI scan may be used to identify the location of uterine fibroids. When there is a question
about whether you have fibroids or adenomyosis, an MRI can usually tell the difference.
Pelvic Ultrasound
This test produces an image of your pelvic organs by bouncing sound waves off them. Both
transabdominal (the ultrasound wand is moved across the abdomen) and transvaginal (the
ultrasound wand is placed in the vagina) ultrasound scans may be done. It is used to evaluate
conditions such as uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. More information.
Toluidine Blue Dye Test
This test is used to evaluate abnormal changes in the vulva. The dye is applied on the vulva and
causes skin with precancerous or cancerous changes to turn blue.
Fluid-Contrast Ultrasound (FCUS)
This procedure is an adaptation of standard [pelvic ultrasound]. It is used to evaluate the lining of
the uterus and the uterine cavity. It can measure the thickness of the uterine lining (endometrium)
and reveal the texture of its surface and any abnormalities such as polyps or fibroids. A small
catheter is inserted through the cervix into the uterus and an ultrasound wand is placed in the
vagina. A sterile solution is slowly injected through the catheter into the uterine cavity and the
area is imaged with the ultrasound.
Vaginal Culture
This test involves collecting cervical mucus to identify the cause of an infection.
