Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

biopsy, endometrial
A procedure for sampling
the lining of the uterus (the endometrium).
Endometrial biopsy is usually done to detect the
cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, but it may be
used to determine the cause of infertility, test for
uterine infections, and even monitor responses to
certain medications. The procedure can be done in
a physician’s office. There are few risks, the most
common being cramping and pain. Oral pain med-
ications taken beforehand may help reduce cramp-
ing and pain. See also 
biopsy.
biopsy, excisional
A surgical procedure in
which an entire abnormal area is removed for diag-
nostic examination under a microscope.
biopsy, incisional 
A surgical procedure in
which only a portion of an abnormal area is
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removed for diagnostic examination under a micro-
scope. An incisional biopsy is used when the abnor-
mal area is too large for excisional biopsy or when
excision would destroy important tissue or pose a
cosmetic problem. See also 
biopsy, excisional.
biopsy, needle
A procedure in which a small
amount of tissue is taken for examination by using a
hollow needle. See also 
biopsy; biopsy, stereotac-
tic needle.
biopsy, punch
See 
punch biopsy.
biopsy, sentinel-lymph-node
Examination of
the first lymph node that receives lymphatic
drainage from a tumor to learn whether that node
has tumor cells in it. The sentinel node’s identity is
determined by injecting around the tumor a tracer
substance that travels through the lymphatic system
to the first draining node, thereby identifying it. If
the sentinel node contains tumor cells, removal of
more nodes in the area may be warranted. If the
sentinel node is normal, extensive dissection of the
regional lymphnode basin is generally not required.
See also 
biopsy.