ECC
Pronunciation: E-C-C
Also written as: ECC — endocervical curettage
Endocervical curettage; a procedure to sample tissue from the endocervical canal for pathological examination.
Full Definition
Endocervical curettage (ECC) is a diagnostic procedure in which a small, spoon-shaped instrument called a curette is used to scrape tissue samples from the endocervical canal, the narrow passage that connects the cervix to the uterine cavity. This procedure is commonly performed during colposcopy to evaluate abnormal cervical cytology, particularly when the transformation zone is not fully visible or when glandular abnormalities are suspected. ECC helps determine if abnormal cells extend into the cervical canal beyond what can be visualized externally, which influences treatment planning and prognosis. The procedure is typically performed in an office setting and provides important diagnostic information for cervical cancer screening.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from other medical abbreviations like EKG or ECG in documentation.
In Context
- "ECC was performed during colposcopy to rule out glandular involvement." — procedure note
- "The ECC specimen showed no evidence of dysplasia." — pathology result