Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Tubal Cytology of the Fallopian Tube as a Promising Tool for Ovarian Cancer Early Detection
Published on: July 25, 2017
Pipelle endometrial sampling. Sensitivity in the detection of endometrial cancer
R S Guido1, A Kanbour-Shakir, M C Rulin
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women's Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
Objective:
To evaluate the sensitivity of the Pipelle endometrial suction curette in the detection of endometrial carcinoma in patients with known endometrial cancer.
Study Design:
A study was conducted using patients with known endometrial cancer undergoing a hysterectomy as part of a formal staging procedure. Endometrial biopsies were performed prior to each surgical procedure. Biopsy results were compared to the hysterectomy specimen for specimen adequacy and final histologic diagnosis.
Results:
The Pipelle biopsy was adequate for analysis in 63 of 65 patients (97%). Malignancy was detected by biopsy in 54 of 65 patients, for a sensitivity of 83 +/- 5% (mean +/- SD). Of the 11 patients with false negative results, 5 had tumors present in only an endometrial polyp. Three of the 11 patients had disease localized to < 5% of the surface area of the endometrium.
Conclusion:
The Pipelle endometrial suction curette is an effective office device for evaluating patients at risk of endometrial cancer; however, tumors localized to a polyp or small area of endometrium may go undetected.
