What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis
Immunohistochemical expression of AMH in endometriosis tissues. (A) AMH expression in the epithelium of an endometriosis gland (Original magnification X20). (B) The immunohistochemical expression of AMH is clearly visible also in the stromal cells of the endometriosis gland (Original magnification X20). Anti-mullerian hormone is expressed by endometriosis tissues and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in endometriosis cells. Signorile PG, Petraglia F, Baldi A - Journal of experimental & clinical cancer research : CR (2014). Not Altered. CC.

Endometriosis is an often-painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus — the endometrium — grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. 

What is the Pathology of Endometriosis?

The pathology of endometriosis is:

-Etiology: The cause of endometriosis is retrograde menstrual flow.

-Genes involved:  P450 CYP gene, GSTT-1 gene, GSTM1 gene. 

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to endometriosis are: endometrial cells are transported from the uterine cavity during menstruation and subsequently become implanted at ectopic sites leading to this condition.

-Morphology: The morphology associated with endometriosis shows powder burn” or “gunshot” lesions on the ovaries, serosal surfaces and peritoneum—black, dark-brown, or bluish puckered lesions. 

-Histology: The histology associated with endometriosis shows endometrial tissue.

How does Endometriosis Present?

Patients with endometriosis typically females at any age but most commonly in reproductive age which is 25-35 years. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with endometriosis include: menstrual cramps pain, pain during intercourse, abnormal menstrual flow, infertility, painful urination, painful bowel movements.

How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

Disease in sentence case is diagnosed by pelvic exam, ultrasound, MRI, and laparoscopy.

How is Endometriosis Treated?

Endometriosis is treated by hormone therapy, medication for pain, conservative surgery, fertility treatment, Hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries. 

What is the Prognosis of Endometriosis?

The prognosis of endometriosis is good. In extremely rare instances, however, complications of endometriosis can cause potentially life-threatening problems.