Final answer:
A widening and scraping of the lining of the uterus is called a Dilation and Curettage (D&C), a procedure that can be used to diagnose conditions or remove tissue from the uterus, but is not a treatment for endometriosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
A widening and scraping of the lining of the uterus is known as a Dilation and Curettage (D&C). This procedure involves dilating the cervix and then scraping or suctioning away the tissue from the inner lining of the uterus. It is often used to diagnose or treat conditions such as heavy bleeding or to remove tissue after a miscarriage.
In the context of endometriosis, a D&C may be used to remove the displaced endometrial tissue, although it is not a treatment for endometriosis itself. Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, and while a D&C can clear out some of this tissue from the uterine lining, it does not address tissue outside the uterus. Treatment for endometriosis can include medications for pain or more targeted surgical remedies, such as laparoscopy. In severe cases, a hysterectomy might be considered, especially in patients who have completed childbearing, as it can remove the source of endometrial tissue and can potentially be a cure for endometriosis.