Summary of Evidence

Transvaginal Ultrasound
        Benefits
        Harms
Endometrial Sampling (Biopsy)
        Benefits
        Harms

Separate PDQ summaries on Endometrial Cancer Prevention ¹; Endometrial Cancer Treatment ²; and Uterine Sarcoma Treatment ³ are also available.

There is no evidence that screening by ultrasonography (e.g., endovaginal ultrasound or transvaginal ultrasound) reduces mortality from endometrial cancer. Most cases of endometrial cancer (85%) are diagnosed at low stage because of symptoms, and survival rates are high.

Based on solid evidence, screening asymptomatic women will result in unnecessary additional biopsies because of false-positive test results. Risks associated with false-positive tests include anxiety and complications from biopsies.

• Study Design: Evidence obtained from cohort studies.
• Internal Validity: Fair.
• Consistency: One study for endometrial biopsy and one study for hysteroscopy.
• Magnitude of Effects on Health Outcomes: Small negative magnitude.
• External Validity: Fair.

There is inadequate evidence that screening by endometrial sampling (i.e., biopsy) reduces mortality from endometrial cancer. Most cases of endometrial cancer (85%) are diagnosed at low stage because of symptoms, and survival rates are high.

Based on solid evidence, endometrial biopsy may result in discomfort, bleeding, infection, and rarely, uterine perforation.

• Study Design: Evidence obtained from cohort studies.
• Internal Validity: Fair.
• Consistency: One study for endometrial biopsy and one study for hysteroscopy.
• Magnitude of Effects on Health Outcomes: Small negative magnitude.
• External Validity: Fair.