Ultrasound Screening Less Effective in Black Women

Ultrasound Screening Less Effective in Black Women: A New Study Highlights the Need for Improved Detection

Introduction

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women, particularly in the United States. While ultrasound screening is a common technique used to assess the risk of EC, a new study suggests that it may be less effective in Black women. In this article, we will explore the findings of the study and discuss the implications for healthcare providers and patients.

The Study

The study, published in JAMA Oncology, evaluated the health data of 1,494 Black individuals who underwent pelvic ultrasonography with an endometrial thickness (ET) measurement before a hysterectomy. The results showed that 210 individuals had EC, and that 11% of these cases had an ET that was below the diagnostic threshold for detection (4 mm).

Findings

The study found that pelvic transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) led to false negatives in a significant percentage of Black females who actually had EC. Specifically, the study found that:

• 9.5% of cancers detected in Black females were detected below the threshold of 4 mm
• 3.8% of cancers were detected with an ET less than 3 mm
• 11.5% of cancers would have been missed because the individuals had a relatively thin ET

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for improved detection methods for EC in Black women. While TVUS is an effective technique for detecting EC in many patient populations, it appears to be less reliable in Black females. The study suggests that a tissue biopsy should always be done to provide an accurate diagnosis of EC, particularly in Black women.

FAQs

Q: What is endometrial cancer?

A: Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the uterus.

Q: What is pelvic transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS)?

A: TVUS is a technique used to measure the thickness of the endometrium and detect potential abnormalities.

Q: Why is TVUS less effective in Black women?

A: The study suggests that the decreased visibility of cancers in Black women and the increased prevalence of fibroids may make it harder to detect EC via TVUS alone.

Q: What is the most accurate way to detect endometrial cancer in Black women?

A: The study suggests that a tissue biopsy is the most accurate way to detect EC in Black women.

Q: What are the implications of this study for healthcare providers?

A: The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to consider alternative detection methods, such as tissue biopsy, when evaluating Black women for EC.

Q: What are the implications of this study for patients?

A: The study suggests that patients should be aware of the limitations of TVUS and advocate for alternative detection methods, such as tissue biopsy, if they have symptoms of EC.