Can endometriosis turn into cancer?

Written by Liu Wei Jie

Obstetrics

Updated on September 08, 2024

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The answer is no. First, let's explain what endometriosis is. Endometriosis is when the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, is found outside of its normal location, including in the muscular layer of the uterus, the ovaries, the pelvic cavity, or the intestines; it can occur in any of these areas. This condition is known as endometriosis. Endometriosis within the uterus is a benign condition, but it can lead to severe painful menstruation and chocolate cysts. If the menstrual pain is very severe, there may be a possibility of needing a hysterectomy in the future. If a chocolate cyst occurs, surgery might also be necessary.

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Written by Shen Li Wen

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 9sec

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How to treat endometriosis in the pelvic cavity?

When women suffer from pelvic endometriosis and the symptoms are not too severe—for instance, if the pain is relatively mild—they can be clinically observed during menstruation. If dysmenorrhea occurs, oral administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin can help alleviate the symptoms. However, some women may experience more severe symptoms and may require pseudopregnancy treatment with drugs, such as oral contraceptives or progestin-based medications. Another approach involves using GnRH analogues, a method known as 'medical oophorectomy.' If symptoms are severe and treatments are ineffective, surgical intervention might be considered. Surgical options include electrocoagulation of endometriotic lesions in the pelvis, sharp or blunt dissection of adhesions, which can also improve the pelvic environment and potentially enhance fertility in women. (Note: Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Shun Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

45sec

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Endometriosis characteristics

The main characteristic of endometriosis is painful menstruation, and in severe cases, it can lead to heavy periods and prolonged menstrual cycles. If endometriosis leads to the formation of ovarian chocolate cysts, the rupture of these cysts can cause severe abdominal pain. Moreover, endometriosis can easily lead to pelvic adhesions, which are a common cause of infertility. If the condition is severe, abdominal pain may also occur after the menstrual period has ended. In the case of adenomyosis, the symptoms include an enlarged uterine body, heavy periods, and prolonged menstrual cycles. If the condition is severe, then surgical treatment may be necessary.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming

Obstetrics and Gynecology

54sec

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What tests are done for endometriosis?

For patients with endometriosis, it is recommended that you undergo a gynecological ultrasound examination to observe the condition of the ectopic endometrial tissue in the pelvic cavity, whether it is present on the uterus or ovaries, and whether it has grown on the abdominal wall. Therefore, it is advised to have a gynecological ultrasound examination and a gynecological exam. Patients with endometriosis can also have a blood test for tumor markers. If you wish to undergo additional tests, you can also have a cervical cancer screening, which is also possible. The main recommendations are the first three: the gynecological exam, gynecological ultrasound, and tumor marker tests. These examinations are advisable. If the endometriosis is very severe and the pain is quite intense, treatment may be necessary.

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Written by Shen Li Wen

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 1sec

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Endometriosis symptoms

When women suffer from endometriosis, the typical symptom is progressively worsening dysmenorrhea. What is progressively worsening dysmenorrhea? It is mainly because the ectopic endometrial tissue also becomes congested, swollen, and sheds each month during menstruation, causing the ectopic lesions to gradually enlarge, thus making the dysmenorrhea increasingly painful. Some women may have ovarian endometriomas or ectopic endometrial lesions in the posterior cul-de-sac of the vagina, which can also cause severe pain during intercourse. Ovarian endometriomas can also affect the normal ovulation of the ovaries, leading to menstrual cycle disorders, such as irregular menstruation or increased menstrual flow, among other phenomena. Endometriosis can also alter the pelvic environment, leading to difficulties in conception for women.

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Written by Shen Li Wen

Obstetrics and Gynecology

53sec

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Endometriosis has several manifestations.

When women suffer from endometriosis, the clinical manifestations can vary depending on the specific location of the ectopic endometrial tissue, but there are some commonalities. A major symptom is pain related to menstruation, such as dysmenorrhea. For example, ovarian chocolate cysts can cause progressively worsening dysmenorrhea and affect the amount of menstrual flow; issues like increased menstrual volume and prolonged menstrual periods can also occur, and some women may experience pain during intercourse. Endometriosis often leads to the occurrence of pelvic adhesions, so some women may also experience chronic pelvic pain. When endometrial tissue is located on the ovaries, it can affect normal ovulation and hormone secretion, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and infertility.