How long does an endometrial biopsy take to work for womb cancer?

A clinician takes a small sample from the endometrium, the lining of the womb. A pathologist examines the tissue for changes that may explain abnormal bleeding and may identify cancerous or pre-cancerous features. The sample is not a treatment for womb cancer; it is used to guide diagnosis.

The report may describe the type and features of any abnormal cells. Your clinician then considers it alongside your symptoms, examination, scans, and medical history. Sometimes the sample is insufficient or does not answer every question, so another procedure may be discussed.

Use sanitary protection rather than tampons if advised, and follow instructions about bathing, medicines, and activity. Ask the clinic how results will be delivered and keep the follow-up contact details available.

Record bleeding, pelvic pain, fever, or unusual discharge so you can describe changes clearly. Do not delay the planned review because you feel better; the laboratory result still needs clinical interpretation.

Seek prompt medical advice for heavy bleeding, severe or increasing pelvic pain, fever, chills, dizziness, fainting, or foul-smelling discharge after the biopsy. These symptoms may need assessment for bleeding or infection.

Ask when the pathology report is expected, what the sample can and cannot show, whether further sampling or imaging may be needed, and which symptoms should lead you to call before the results appointment.