D & C or Endometrial Biopsy?

Is it possible to have a normal endometrial biopsy and then uterine cancer found after a D & C? I'm searching to see what should be my next step?

I am 46 years old. I have been having intermittent pelvic pain, nausea, loss of appetite, can only eat bites at a time, lost 30 lbs., I'm 5'9" and a week ago weighed 115, but started bloating and gained 5 lbs. overnight. I have been through every gastro test possible (I think) and everything is normal. The only thing found was cysts on my ovaries--functional--they think. My periods at the first of the year were 2 1/2 weeks apart, now it's been 8 weeks and no period. I just had an endometrial biopsy and it came back normal. I am waiting now to see an internist, the gynecologist just
wants to wait and look at cysts in 2 months.

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 46 and died at 55. Her sister had breast cancer and my brother was diagnosed two years ago with testicular cancer.

HI SmellTheRoses,

Yes it is possible that an endometrial biopsy can come back normal even if there is a cancer. This could happen if the area where cancer cells are located was not scrapped during the procedure. I was very lucky my endo cancer was picked up during biospy as I had a very tiny lesion and those cells could have easily been missed.

The symptoms your are describing are not classic for endometrial cancer. Most of us who have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer had virtually no symptoms aside from intermenstrual bleeding or varying color watery discharge. Some too had irregular cycles or lack of cycles.

I am concerned about your weight loss, bloating, etc. as other Gyn cancers can present with these symptoms.
As you mentioned ovarian cysts were found during your workup, this in addition to your other symptoms warrant a consult to a Gyn Oncologist who are specialists in diagnosing and treating Gyn cancers that unfortunately can be missed by other MD's who are not specialist in this field of expertise.

Please keep us posted on how all goes with you.

Yes, I have thought of ovarian cancer too, but wanted to know if uterine cancer was definitely ruled out since the endometrial biopsy was normal. My gyno seemed to think because of my irregular periods that was the biggest concern.

I will try to get a referrel to a gyn-onc when I get to Cleveland Clinic. There are none close to me and since I have an appointment with an internist in a little over a week there, I have a better chance of getting in quicker to a gyn-onc.

Thanks for your encouraging words.

Hi, As Nightengale already noted you don't seem to have the classic symptoms of endometrial cancer but some of your symptoms might be associated with other gyn problems. I suspect a D&C since it gets at more cells could be more thorough than a biopsy and a gyn/onc would be able to advise re whether you a D&C or other tests may help identify your problem. Of course as you're aware the symptoms you've listed may be found with even non-gynocological and /or cancer issues and I hope the internest can shed some light on your situation. Unfortunately sometimes it can take a long time for doctors to determine what really is ailing us but pls remain persistent until they can identify your problem and provide proper treatment. Good luck.
s, peggiesue

Hi SmelltheRoses

I would agree both with Peggiesue and with Nightengale, that you should keep on pursuing this. I'm not a doctor and don't know a lot of medical/technical stuff, but I don't think I'd be satisfied until more and different tests were done as soon as possible. A gyn/onc may also be a good idea!

Keep us posted, you're in our prayers.

Blessings.
Marlene