Definition: A procedure using a curette -- a spoon-shaped instrument -- used to scrape the mucus membrane of the endocervical canal (passageway between cervix and uterus) to obtain a small tissue sample. The sample is then sent to a pathology lab, where it is examined for abnormal cells.
An endocervical curettage is performed during a colposcopy and takes less than a few minutes to perform. In most cases, the tissue sample can be taken in a matter of seconds. Some women report brief moderate to severe discomfort during the ECC. Women can expect to feel mild cramping, much like menstrual cramps, following the procedure.
Pronunciation: en-do-SER-vih-kul kyoo-reh-TAHZH
Also Known As: ECC
Examples: An endocervical curettage was also done during the colposcopy.
