Ultrasounds aren’t just used during pregnancy. They’re also a helpful first test when doctors suspect endometrial cancer. Since ultrasounds are quick, safe, and minimally invasive, they’re doctors’ first choice for investigating endometrial cancer symptoms. Another main advantage of ultrasounds is that they do not emit radiation, which makes them safe if there is a chance that the person getting it might be pregnant.

It’s normal to be nervous about screening tests, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared. Here’s what you need to know about what happens before, during, and after an ultrasound for endometrial cancer.

When Should You Have an Ultrasound?

Your healthcare provider is more likely to recommend an ultrasound if you have certain symptoms and risk factors for endometrial cancer. It’s not common to do this test unless there’s a reason — doing an ultrasound when you don’t have symptoms could lead to false positive results and added stress.

You’re Experiencing Symptoms

The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal bleeding. Other symptoms include:

• An increase or change in vaginal discharge
• Spotting or bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after menopause

Signs of more advanced endometrial cancer include fullness or pain in the pelvis, lower back pain, and unexpected weight loss.

Having these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have endometrial cancer. There are different conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Your healthcare provider may use an ultrasound to figure out the cause.

You Have Risk Factors

There are certain known risk factors for endometrial cancer, including:

• Starting your period at a young age
• Going through menopause at an older age
• Never being pregnant
• Having a history of cysts or tumors on the ovaries
• Having excess body fat (obesity)

Other factors may also increase the risk of endometrial cancer. For example, certain genes or long-term exposure to chemicals in hair straighteners could raise the chances of getting endometrial cancer. Hormones also play a role. Estrogen-only therapy can increase your risk, while some forms of birth control and hormone therapy can help protect against endometrial cancer. If you’re at risk or have symptoms, an ultrasound can help your doctor figure out what’s going on.

Types of Ultrasounds for Endometrial Cancer

Ultrasounds take pictures of the organs inside the body. During an ultrasound, a small wand called a transducer or probe sends sound waves into the body. These sound waves bounce off organs and tissues inside the body. Then, the information is sent to a computer, which converts it into images.

Healthcare professionals may use two different types of ultrasounds to screen for endometrial cancer. The type you get depends on your age, sexual history, and other health factors. During the ultrasound, they’ll look for abnormalities, like a thickened endometrium (uterine lining) or tumors.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

In a transvaginal ultrasound, the ultrasound wand is inserted into the vagina to get a close-up of the uterus. Sometimes, doctors inject saline into the uterus to get a clearer image.

Abdominal Ultrasound

For an abdominal or pelvic ultrasound, the wand is moved over the skin of your lower belly. This type of ultrasound helps capture images of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

During either type of ultrasound, the technician will apply a water-soluble gel to the area being examined. The gel helps the ultrasound wand glide smoothly and improves the transmission of sound waves from the wand. The gel may feel a little cold, and you might feel some pressure on your skin during the test, but it shouldn’t be painful. Afterward, the technician will wipe the gel off your skin so it doesn’t get on your clothes.

Preparing for Your Ultrasound Appointment

Getting ready for your ultrasound appointment is easy. Just make sure you arrive on time. As with any medical appointment, be sure to bring personal identification (like your driver’s license) and your health insurance card.

Find a facility and healthcare team that makes you feel comfortable. You should trust your providers to explain your results in a caring way and guide you through any follow-up tests they recommend. If you’d like, you can bring a trusted friend or relative for emotional support. You might also consider taking the rest of the day off after the appointment. That way, you won’t worry if the appointment runs longer than you expect.

Follow your doctor’s instructions before your appointment. For example, if you’re having a pelvic ultrasound, they may ask you to drink extra water to help create clearer images of your organs. Wear clothes that are easy to change in and out of. You may need to change into a hospital gown during the test.

During the Appointment

Deep breathing before and during your appointment can help you feel calm. If you feel nervous or anxious, it’s OK to share that. Ultrasound technicians often see people during high-stress times, including cancer screenings and pregnancy, and they understand.

An ultrasound usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes. You’ll be able to ask the technician questions during the appointment, and they’ll direct you on what to do. You’ll either be lying flat on your back or reclining, with your feet in stirrups.

You can ask questions during the exam, but the technician may not be able to explain everything. A radiologist — a doctor who specializes in reading ultrasounds — will give the final reading and write the official report. Sometimes the technician may call in a radiologist or another technician to take a second look during your test. That’s common and not a reason to worry.

After the Appointment

You’ll be able to drive yourself home after the ultrasound appointment, since it doesn’t require sedation. You can go back to your usual routine right away. There’s no need to change your eating, exercise, or anything else unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

Follow-Up Tests

Ultrasounds are helpful, but they can’t diagnose endometrial cancer on their own. Instead, an ultrasound can help determine if you need more testing. They show things like thickened endometrial tissue or abnormal growths in the endometrium. If your doctor sees anything unusual, your healthcare provider may recommend taking an endometrial tissue sample or doing other tests, such as:

• Endometrial biopsy — A small sample of cells from the endometrial tissue is removed and tested under a microscope.
• Dilation and curettage (D&C) — If the biopsy results are unclear or show something abnormal, your doctor may do a D&C. This involves gently widening your cervical canal and scraping out tissue from the uterus to test it.
• Hysteroscopy — The uterus is filled with saline and examined with a thin, lighted camera (called a hysteroscope) that’s inserted through the cervix. Hysteroscopies are done with local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.

Staying Calm for Your Ultrasound

Even though ultrasounds are painless and safe, it’s completely normal to feel nervous. Just remember: this test won’t confirm whether you have cancer. It’s simply one of the first steps for early detection. Think of the ultrasound as a routine checkup for your general health, just like having a dental cleaning or checking your blood pressure. By doing it, you’re taking an important step in monitoring your health and getting the care you need.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyEndometrialCancerTeam is the social network for people with endometrial cancer and their loved ones. On MyEndometrialCancerTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with endometrial cancer.

What steps did you take to get an endometrial cancer diagnosis? If you had an ultrasound, what was your experience like? Share in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.