$Unique_ID{BRK01383} $Pretitle{} $Title{What Does a "D and C" Mean?} $Subject{D&C Pap smear reason special procedures laboratory tests d and c dilatation curettage dilating cervix uterus scraping lining uterine bleeding scraped Paps smears procedure dilate scrapes scrape dilatator curette dilation dilator} $Volume{P-14} $Log{ Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf Dilation and Curettage*0009901.scf Dilator and Curette*0009902.scf} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. What Does a "D and C" Mean? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: Could you please explain what a "d and c" means. I am faced with the need for one and haven't been able to fully understand all my doctor has tried to tell me, because I am always so nervous when I am in the office. Why do they do this, and what can they expect to find out? Will I have to stay in the hospital for a long time? Thank you for all your help. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: "D&C" is an abbreviation of "dilatation and curettage," which means dilating the cervix, or opening to the uterus, and scraping the lining from the uterus. This may be done for several reasons. The most common reason is to learn the reason for abnormal uterine bleeding. This includes bleeding between periods, bleeding after intercourse, irregular or heavy bleeding during menopause, or bleeding after menopause has occurred. The lining of the uterus is scraped, removed, and examined for abnormalities such as cancerous or precancerous cells. A D&C is different from a Pap smear. In a Pap smear, cells from the cervix, or mouth of the uterus, are tested. In a D&C, cells from the lining of the uterus are tested. The D&C is a simple, low-risk procedure that can be done with relatively little discomfort. The D&C may be done to determine whether more surgery, such as a hysterectomy, is needed, but you probably will only need stay in the hospital for the day when you have this test. Other reasons for D&C are to try to determine the reason for unexplained infertility, to remove any remaining tissue from the uterus following miscarriage, or to remove an IUD that is imbedded in the lining of the uterus. A D&C is also sometimes performed to voluntarily terminate a pregnancy. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.