Risk of Cancer and Hyperplasia in Thickened Endometrium Without PMB
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Risk of Cancer and Hyperplasia in Thickened Endometrium Without Postmenopausal Bleeding: a prospective multicentre study
IRAS ID
347263
Contact name
Ayman Ewies
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sandwell And West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
This study aims to determine the womb lining thickness that might suggest cancer or precancer in women after menopause who have no vaginal bleeding but the internal scan showed that the womb lining to be thicker than 4 mm.
It is well established that women who bleed after the menopause require further investigations if the internal scan shows a womb lining thickness more than 4mm; however, it is uncertain as at what womb lining thickness postmenopausal women without bleeding should be offered further intervention. The practice varies in different hospitals, hence the need for this study.
Cancer of the lining of the womb is the fourth most common cancer in females in the United Kingdom. Although women with postmenopausal bleeding are the most vulnerable, sometimes it develops in postmenopausal women with no bleeding.
Many postmenopausal women without vaginal bleeding have internal scans for symptoms such as tummy pain or urinary problems. There is no agreement among health professionals as regards the thickness of the womb lining that may suggest cancer or precancer. Some NHS hospitals offer a biopsy from the womb lining with or without a womb telescope test (hysteroscope) when the thickness is more than 4 mm while others use various thresholds up to 10mm. Some doctors do nothing and wait if the woman starts bleeding.
This is an observational study meaning we will only collect the data related to the standard routine care being delivered within the NHS. If eligible participants agree to take part, we will use data routinely collected during their routine clinical appointment in gynaecology clinic at their local NHS hospital.
There are no additional blood tests, non-standard procedures or follow-up appointments specifically required for the study.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/YH/0271
Date of REC Opinion
9 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion