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biopsy (Bx) | removal of tissue for microscopic pathologic examination |
aspiration biopsy | needle draw of tissue or fluid from a cavity for cytologic examination |
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endoscopic biopsy | removal of a specimen for biopsy during an endoscopic procedure (e.g., colposcopy) |
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excisional biopsy | removal of an entire lesion for microscopic examination |
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incisional biopsy | removal of a piece of suspicious tissue for microscopic examination (e.g., cervical or endometrial biopsy) |
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stereotactic breast biopsy | use of x-ray imaging, a specialized stereotactic frame, and a computer to calculate, precisely locate, and direct a needle into a breast lesion to remove a core specimen for biopsy |
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sentinel node breast biopsy | biopsy of the sentinel node (the first lymph node to receive lymphatic drainage from a tumor) in a breast with early cancer to determine metastases and, if no malignancy is found, to avoid the extensive removal of axillary nodes, which causes lymphedema ( |
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colposcopy | examination of the vagina and cervix using a colposcope, a specialized microscope which often has a camera attachment for photographs; used to document findings and for follow-up treatments |
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hysteroscopy | use of a hysteroscope to examine the intrauterine cavity for assessment of abnormalities (e.g., polyps, fibroids, or anomalies) |
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magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) | use of nonionizing images to detect gynecologic conditions (e.g., anomalies of the pelvis or soft tissues of the breast) or to stage tumors arising from the endometrium or cervix |
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Papanicolaou (Pap) smear | study of cells collected from the cervix to screen for cancer and other abnormalities |
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radiography | x-ray imaging |
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hysterosalpingogram | x-ray of the fallopian tubes after injection of a contrast medium through the cervix; used to determine tubal patency (openness) |
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mammogram | low-dose x-ray imaging of breast tissue to detect neoplasms |
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pelvic sonography | ultrasound imaging of the female pelvis |
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endovaginal sonogram | ultrasound image of the uterus, tubes, and ovaries made with the ultrasonic transducer within the vagina to detect conditions such as ectopic pregnancy or missed abortion |
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sonohysterogram | transvaginal sonographic image made as sterile saline is injected into the uterus; used to assess uterine pathology or to determine tubal patency |
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transabdominal | ultrasound image of the lower abdomen, including the bladder, uterus, tubes, and ovaries, to detect conditions such as cysts and tumors |