Reliability of endometrial aspiration cytology in the assessment of endometrial status.

One hundred twenty women attending routine gynecologic clinics were investigated by endometrial aspiration cytology to determine whether outpatient assessment of endometrial status could be used to determine subsequent patient management. The results show that this technique allows recognition and distinction between cystic hyperplasia, adenomatous hyperplasia, and carcinoma, and the time of the menstrual cycle can be assessed when the endometrium is normal. Endometrial aspiration cytology is valuable in gynecologic practice for determining which women with abnormal bleeding, both premenopausal and postmenopausal, require further investigation. Furthermore, the technique has a role to play in monitoring the status of the endometrium in women at high risk of endometrial malignancy, particularly those receiving hormone replacement therapy.