Diagnostic

Biopsy
A biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue from the body for
microscopic examination and testing.

Bone Density Test

Bone density measurements are done to determine if you have low bone
mass (osteopenia or osteoporosis). It predicts your risk of future fractures
and helps doctors determine if you will need drug therapy.

Breast Biopsy
This test is done when a mammogram reveals an abnormality in the breast
and it cannot be confirmed as benign (non-cancerous). It involves removing
all or part of the abnormal tissue and may be done by open surgery (with a
scalpel) or by one of four needle aspiration techniques: fine needle
aspiration, core needle biopsy, vacuum-assisted biopsy, or large core
biopsy.

Cervical Biopsy
A cervical biopsy is performed to evaluate abnormal cervical tissue found
during a Pap test or colposcopy.

Colposcopy
This test is usually done if the cervix looks abnormal during a routine
examination or if a Pap test shows abnormal cells. Your doctor may also
order it if you have genital warts or if your mother took DES when pregnant
with you. A colposcope is placed in the vagina and used to magnify the
area of the cervix where an abnormality is suspected. If abnormal cells are
found, your doctor may do a biopsy of the area.

Endocervical Curettage (ECC)

This procedure is frequently done in conjunction with a cervical biopsy. It
involves taking a sample of the tissue just past the opening of the cervix as
a precaution against missing any abnormal tissue.

Endometrial or Uterine Biopsy

This test, done to obtain a sample of the endometrial lining of the uterus,
may be used to investigate abnormal menses (heavy bleeding, bleeding
between periods, post-menopausal bleeding), infertility, and chronic
infections. It is useful in detecting uterine polyps,uterine fibroids, uterine
cancer, and adenomyosis.

Hysterosalpingography
During this X-ray procedure, dye is injected into the uterus to outline any
irregularities of the uterine wall. The dye may or may not travel through the
fallopian passages so they can be evaluated as well.

Mammogram
This low-dose X-ray provides a picture of the internal structure of the
breast. It is used to detect tumors and cysts.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI scan may be used to identify the location of uterine fibroids. When
there is a question about whether you have fibroids or adenomyosis, an
MRI can usually tell the difference.

Pelvic Ultrasound
This test produces an image of your pelvic organs by bouncing sound
waves off them. Both transabdominal (the ultrasound wand is moved
across the abdomen) and transvaginal (the ultrasound wand is placed in
the vagina) ultrasound scans may be done. It is used to evaluate conditions
such as uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts.

Toluidine Blue Dye Test

This test is used to evaluate abnormal changes in the vulva. The dye is
applied on the vulva and causes skin with precancerous or cancerous
changes to turn blue.

Fluid-Contrast Ultrasound (FCUS)

This procedure is an adaptation of standard [pelvic ultrasound]. It is used to
evaluate the lining of the uterus and the uterine cavity. It can measure the
thickness of the uterine lining (endometrium) and reveal the texture of its
surface and any abnormalities such as polyps or fibroids. A small catheter
is inserted through the cervix into the uterus and an ultrasound wand is
placed in the vagina. A sterile solution is slowly injected through the
catheter into the uterine cavity and the area is imaged with the ultrasound.

Vaginal Culture
This test involves collecting cervical mucus to identify the cause of an
infection.