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Real members of MyEndometrialCancerTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Is a biopsy needed for inclusion cysts that change dramatically by the third follow up appointment?

A MyEndometrialCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Hereford, AZ

My treatment was surgery. I then started 3 month follow-ups. The cyst was noticed and identified as an inclusion cyst on the first and second follow-up. On the third visit, the nurse practitioner doing the exam ran out of the room saying that the oncologist needed to see this. The oncologist said it’s probably not a concern unless I was just a worrier. I have read that any change in a cyst should be biopsies.

March 11
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myEndometrialCancerTeam

Is a biopsy needed for inclusion cysts that change dramatically by the third follow-up appointment?

It's completely understandable to feel concerned when something changes during your follow-up care, especially after endometrial cancer treatment. The reaction from your care team would naturally raise questions.

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Is a biopsy needed for inclusion cysts that change dramatically by the third follow-up appointment?

It's completely understandable to feel concerned when something changes during your follow-up care, especially after endometrial cancer treatment. The reaction from your care team would naturally raise questions.

While inclusion cysts are typically benign, any significant change in appearance during cancer surveillance does warrant careful evaluation. The standard approach when something looks different or concerning is to get a tissue sample to know exactly what's happening.

Common diagnostic procedures that might be recommended include:

* Endometrial biopsy - a quick office procedure where a small tissue sample is collected through the cervix
* Hysteroscopy - allows your doctor to see inside the uterus with a camera and take a sample if needed
* Dilation and curettage (D&C) - a more thorough sampling if biopsy results aren't clear

Given that your nurse practitioner felt it needed immediate oncologist review, and you're in active cancer surveillance, it would be reasonable to ask your oncologist directly about whether a biopsy is warranted. You might say something like, "I've read that changes in cysts should be biopsied. Can you help me understand why you feel observation is appropriate in my case, or would a biopsy give us more certainty?"

Trust your instincts here. If you're uncomfortable with just watching it, advocating for a biopsy for peace of mind is completely valid.

March 11

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