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 Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is endometriosis serious?

Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium, which normally lines the uterus and has growth potential, is found outside of the uterine cavity, commonly in the ovaries. The typical clinical manifestation of endometriosis is abdominal pain during menstruation. Such pain intensifies as the condition progresses and can ultimately impact the patient's work and daily life, to the extent that they may not be able to work normally. Thus, endometriosis can become quite severe over time and may lead to infertility in women who wish to conceive.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can endometriosis be cured?

The treatment of endometriosis should be determined based on the individual's specific circumstances. Complete cure typically requires the removal of both ovaries. As long as the ovaries are present, there generally is no talk of a complete cure; treatment can only control the condition. It is possible to surgically remove lesions and use medication to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. The specific treatment for endometriosis should be determined based on factors such as age, whether there is a desire for children, and specific symptoms like painful periods and bleeding conditions.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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What to do about dysmenorrhea caused by endometriosis?

There are two types of dysmenorrhea, primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. An important cause of secondary dysmenorrhea is endometriosis. The dysmenorrhea caused by endometriosis comes from specific diseases, and the interventions include the following aspects: First, symptomatic treatment should be conducted first, which means using pain relief medication to alleviate the pain. In clinical practice, various pain relief medications can be used for dysmenorrhea caused by endometriosis. Second, treatment should be aimed at the cause of the dysmenorrhea. Treatment for endometriosis currently includes both medicinal and surgical approaches. If surgical treatment is chosen, it can involve the removal of ectopic cysts or pelvic ectopic cysts, among other conditions; if medicinal treatment is chosen, methods such as pseudopregnancy or artificial menopause can be used.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is endometriosis treated?

The treatment methods for endometriosis depend on the patient's age, the severity of symptoms, and whether they have childbearing requirements. For younger patients who wish to have children, conservative treatment methods are preferable, followed by ovulation induction therapy. For older patients with more severe symptoms, surgical treatment may be considered. If the patient does not have immediate childbearing requirements, a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) can be placed in the uterus. This device releases progesterone and provides excellent treatment results for endometriosis. If the symptoms of endometriosis are severe, manifesting in pronounced dysmenorrhea, excessive menstrual bleeding, or ovarian cysts, then surgical treatment should be considered.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Consequences of Endometriosis

The consequences of endometriosis primarily include abnormal menstruation and infertility, with about 50% of those affected experiencing infertility. The reasons for this stem from the abnormal pelvic structures caused by endometriosis, as well as extensive adhesions of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, and abnormal motility of the fallopian tubes, all of which lead to reduced functions in transporting sperm and eggs. Furthermore, changes in the microenvironment within the pelvis also lead to infertility. Abnormal menstruation is mainly characterized by an increased amount of menstrual flow and prolonged menstrual periods, which can easily lead to anemia in patients.