NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
The NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms features 8,466 terms related to cancer and medicine.
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- dilatation and curettage
- listen (DIH-luh-TAY-shun … kyoo-reh-TAZH)
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A procedure to scrape and remove tissue from the inner lining of the uterus. The cervix is dilated (made larger) and a curette (spoon-shaped instrument) is inserted into the uterus to remove tissue. A tissue sample may then be checked under a microscope for signs of disease, such as infection or cancer. A dilatation and curettage may also be done after a miscarriage or to treat certain conditions, such as abnormal bleeding.
Also called D&C and dilation and curettage.