< back

Indication

A D and C or dilatation and curettage is a procedure to scrape and collect the tissue (endometrium) from inside the uterus. D and C or uterine scraping may be done to: diagnose conditions using the tissue samples collected (biopsies) treat irregular bleeding remove fetal or placental tissue (used for some elective or therapeutic abortions and to remove any remaining tissue after a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) D and C or uterine scraping may be recommended for: bleeding between periods heavy menstrual bleeding bleeding after intercourse investigation of infertility uterine fibroids endometrial polyps uterine cancer (early diagnosis) cervical cancer (early diagnosis) thickening of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia) an embedded IUD (intrauterine device) therapeutic or elective abortion miscarriage

Review Date: 6/25/2001 12:00:00 AM Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.