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The Importance of the Pelvic Sonogram
by Jeffrey Dach MD
Why Get a Baseline Pelvic Sonogram?
 
A 56 year old female patient had an episode of abnormal post-menopausal vaginal bleeding for which a pelvic sonogram was recommended. The sonogram showed a cystic swiss cheese appearance of the endometrium which looked like the image at the upper right (red arrows)
Left Image: Ultrasound Machine Courtesy of Wikimedia
The abnormal endometrium is located between the three red arrows. Notice the small black areas which indicates small fluid collections.
The abnormal endometrium required two procedures. First, an endometrial biopsy and later, a D and C (Dilatation and Curettage) which was done for a complete removal of the abnormal endometrial tissue. Fortunately, the pathology report showed only benign endometrial hyperplasia and polyps. There was no endometrial cancer.
Anatomy Lesson
Diagram on the left shows the uterine outer muscular layer also called the myometrium. Middle diagram shows the inner uterus, also called the endometrium. This is the layer that is shed every month during the bleeding period. Diagram on the right shows fibroid tumors involving the uterine wall in various locations.
   
Uzzi Reiss MD, author of the book, Natural Hormone Balance for Women, states that it is important to routinely include a pelvic sonogram for all new patients starting bio-identical hormones.
Dr. Uzzi Reiss’s reasons for a baseline pelvic sonogram:
1) A pelvic sonogram should be added to the manual pelvic exam because the old gyne pelvic exam is a 1950's standard of care. The new standard of care for the year 2000 is a pelvic sonogram.
2) The annual pelvic exam is a useful exam, but is incomplete. It provides a pap smear, visualization of the cervix, and vaginal mucosa. It cannot provide much information about the uterus and ovaries unless these organs are grossly enlarged.
3) The pelvic sonogram provides much more detailed information about the uterine size, shape and consistency, endometrial thickness, and presence or absence of fibroids, masses, or polyps in the uterus. Small masses and abnormalities can be seen on pelvic sonogram which would never be detected on manual pelvic exam.
4) If endometrial thickness is greater than 5 mm, then endometrial biopsy is usually performed to rule out endometrial cancer.
The small image on the lower left (below) is a normal uterine cavity, and the larger image on the right shows a white cauliflower mass growing into the endometrial cavity. This is endometrial cancer.
5) Pelvic sonogram is more sensitive than pelvic exam for detection and evaluation of ovarian, adnexal masses, cysts, and free fluid in the pelvis.
The sonogram image on the lower left shows small black spots along the outer margin of the ovary, these are multiple small benign ovarian cysts. The image on the right shows a tubo-ovarian abscess. These findings would be difficult or impossible to detect with manual pelvic exam.
 
6) Post-menopausal bleeding may occur from fluctuating hormone levels when first starting a bio-identical hormone program. Abnormal vaginal bleeding requires a pelvic sonogram to evaluate the cause of the bleeding. Having a prior baseline sonogram for comparison aids in the interpretation, and can avoid unnecessary procedures.
The sonogram can easily determine the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding:
Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding:
Diffuse Endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth)
Diffuse Endometrial cancer
Endometrial polyps
Submucosal fibroids
Focal Endometrial hyperplasia
Focal Endometrial cancer
Hormone imbalance
Simply endometrial atrophy (undergrowth)
Uterine fibroids can cause bleeding and this is what uterine fibroids look like: On the left side is an anatomic diagram and on the right side is a sagittal MRI Scan showing uterine fibroids (black spots on the MRI). On the MRI, the sacrum is at the right, and the anterior abdominal wall is at the left. The triangular shaped bladder contains white urine below and to the left of the enlarged fibroid uterus.
 
Sometimes bleeding can be caused by benign endometrial polyps as shown here:
If endometrial thickening (greater than 5 mm) or other abnormality is seen on a sonogram, then endometrial biopsy is usually done. The pelvic sonogram below illustrates the endometrial stripe which is outlined with the yellow line on the right, and the blue line outlines the uterus.
 
The Endometrial stripe should be less than 5 mm in thickness.
Here is an example of a thickened endometrial stripe suspicious for cancer which requires endometrial biopsy for diagnosis: On the left is a trans-abdominal sonogram, and on the right is a trans-vaginal sonogram showing more detail.
 
The endometrial biopsy is a 10 minute gyne office procedure in which an instrument is inserted through the endocervical canal and a small sample of the endometrial lining is obtained for pathology analysis. If the pathology is abnormal, a follow up procedure called a D and C (dilatation and curettage) is done to obtain a larger sample, and to remove the entire lesion which is also sent for pathology analysis.
This diagram shows the endometrial biopsy instrument in place inside the endometrial cavity performing a biopsy:
Endometrial Biopsy
For More information on Endometrial Biopsy, Click Here
Is Pelvic Ultrasound Safe?
There are no known harmful effects associated with the medical use of sonography which has not been shown to cause any harm or any adverse outcomes.
Trans-Abdominal Sonogram vs. Trans-Vaginal Sonogram
The transabdominal sonogram is usually the initial exam. This is done with a full bladder to provide an acoustic window for the transducer which is placed on the abdomen to obtain images of the uterus and ovaries. If needed, a more sensitive transvaginal sonogram is done with a special transvaginal transducer. This provides high resolution images of the uterine contents and ovaries.
Why You Need A Pelvic Sonogram
I hope the above discussion has convinced you of the importance of the pelvic sonogram, and why we ask that all post Menopausal women have a Baseline Pelvic Sonogram before starting our Bio-Identical Hormone Program.
A pelvic exam is 1950's standard of care. A pelvic sonogram is newer technology and current standard of care for 2000-2008.
Call Us to Schedule Your Pelvic Sonogram
Still haven't had your pelvic sonogram? To schedule your pelvic sonogram, call the office at 954-983-1443 and we will arrange it for you.
Call Us if you Need a Gyne Doctor Referral
Are you in between doctors, and looking for a good gyne doctor? We know most of the gyne doctors in the community and can refer you to someone suitable for your needs. Call the office and you can select a gyne doctor from our own list of top doctors.
Jeffrey Dach MD
4700 Sheridan Suite T
Hollywood Fl 33021
954-983-1443
www.jeffreydach.com
www.drdach.com
www.naturalmedicine101.com
www.truemedmd.com
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References:
Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Radiology
Ultrasound of ovarian cancer Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Radiology
Uterine Fibroid Embolization Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Radiology
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Book Reviews on Amazon by Jeffrey Dach MD
Here are a few more of my book reviews on Amazon.com. I have no financial relationship with Amazon, so feel free to use the library rather than buy a copy of the book.
The Testosterone Syndrome:The Critical Factor for Energy, Health, and Sexuality--Reversing the Male Menopause by Eugene Shippen MD
The Andropause Mystery: Unraveling Truths About the Male Menopause by Robert S Tan MD
Could It Be B12?: An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses by Sally M. Pacholok R.N. and Jeffrey J Stuart D.O.
Avoiding Breast Cancer While Balancing Your Hormones by Joseph McWherter MD
Natural Hormone Balance for Women by Uzzi Reiss MD
Curing the Incurable, Vitamin C, Infectious Disease and Toxins by Thomas E Levy MD JD
From Fatigued to Fantastic A Clinically Proven Program to Regain Vibrant Health and Overcome Chronic Fatigue and FibromyalgiaNew, revised third edition by Jacob Teitelbaum MD.
Adrenal Fatigue, the 21st Century Syndrome by James L Wilson, ND, DC, PhD
To read all my reviews on Amazon.com, Click Here
Jeffrey Dach MD
4700 Sheridan Suite T
Hollywood Fl 33021
954-983-1443
www.jeffreydach.com
www.drdach.com
www.naturalmedicine101.com
www.truemedmd.com
Link to this article:
http://jeffreydach.com/2007/12/31/the-importance-of-the-pelvic-sonogram-by-jeffrey-dach-md.aspx
Jeffrey Dach, M.D. BLOG TrueMedMD disclaimer
All after tax profits from TrueMedMD clinic operations are donated to charity.
(c) 2007-8 all rights reserved jeffrey dach md | |
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Another exceptionally fine newsletter issue.
regards from,
Joel M. Kauffman, PhD,
author of the book, Malignant Medical Myths
________________________________________________________________
Dear Joel,
Thanks for your kind words,
warmest regards,
Jeffrey Dach MD
www.drdach.com
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Reply to this
Ida L from Hollywood, FL
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Dear Ida,
Thanks for your kind words,
warmest regards,
Jeffrey Dach md
www.drdach.com
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Thank God for you and the work that you are doing.
SS from Ft Lauderdale
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Dear SS from Ft. Lauderdale,
Thanks for your kind words,
warmest regards,
Jeffrey Dach md
www.drdach.com
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I would like to know if you can help me.
I have a large ovarian cyst and I refuse hysterectomy.
I have seen some doctors who promised to vanish the cyst, but nothing happened yet.
I have been taking Bio-Identical Hormones and although I'm feeling better in reference to some symptoms, the ovarian cyst didn't disappear.
I heard about Dr. Wright in WA who treats cyst with certain kind of iodine, but they can't treat me by phone. Do you use iodine? Do you use any special method? I took an ultrasound last week and the cyst appears to be filled with mucus and blood.
I eliminated grains from my diet and this seems to help a little.
Please, let me know if you can help me, or otherwise, if you can refer me to another doctor who can help me.
Thank you.
IF from Sunny Isles Fla
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Dear IF from Sunny Isles Florida,
Thanks for your email inquiry.
Ovarian cysts are quite common and as seen in the above article, the pelvic sonogram is useful for evaluating them and following them.
Most cysts are benign of course. However, some may have internal bleeding, or have complex features, and look suspicious on the sonogram that require careful follow up.
That is why it is important to work closely with your ob-gyne doctor, who will order the follow up sonograms, read the reports, and make further recommendations for you.
Please make sure you continue under the care of your ob-gyne doctor.
If you are in need of another good OB-Gyne doctor for a second opinion, we work with several excellent ones in the community, and feel free to call our office for this information provided free of charge.
Good luck to you,
warmest regards,
Jeffrey Dach md
www.drdach.com
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