Linking Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer: Key Insights
In the realm of women's health, two conditions that often intersect are endometriosis and ovarian cancer. While both conditions can cause pelvic pain, they present distinct symptoms and carry unique risks.
Endometriosis, a progressive disease affecting an estimated 1 in 10 women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States, is characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Symptoms typically include severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, heavy or irregular periods, infertility, chronic fatigue, and bowel issues [1].
On the other hand, ovarian cancer often presents with persistent bloating, stomach pain that does not go away, an urge to urinate more frequently than usual, difficulty eating and a feeling of fullness, changes in bowel habits, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss [3][5]. These symptoms are usually silent or mild in early stages and become more pronounced at advanced stages.
While endometriosis and ovarian cancer have different symptom profiles, endometriosis can increase the risk of certain ovarian cancers. Particularly, endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of epithelial ovarian cancers, notably endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas [2]. The underlying mechanisms involve a chronic pro-inflammatory, iron-rich, oxidative microenvironment in endometriotic lesions, which can promote malignant transformation over time [4].
It's important to note that while people with endometriosis have a slightly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, the exact link between the conditions is not yet fully understood [6].
For those concerned about their genetic risk, genetic testing and counseling can be helpful [7]. Hysterectomy and salpingectomy reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, but these are serious procedures that should only be considered for valid reasons [8].
In managing endometriosis, doctors can prescribe certain forms of birth control to slow its progression and perform laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial scar tissue [9]. However, there is currently no known way to prevent endometriosis.
Maintaining a moderate weight, avoiding smoking, and living an active lifestyle may reduce a person's risk of getting ovarian cancer [10]. People with a family history of breast and ovarian cancers may be at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer [11].
For anyone experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, it's crucial to push for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
References:
- Mayo Clinic. Endometriosis
- American Cancer Society. Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer Risk
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms
- National Cancer Institute. Endometriosis and the Risk of Ovarian Cancer
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. Endometriosis vs. Ovarian Cancer: Symptom Differences
- Harvard Health Publishing. Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer: What's the Link?
- American Society of Clinical Oncology. Genetic Testing and Counseling for Hereditary Ovarian Cancer
- American Cancer Society. Ovarian Cancer Prevention
- Mayo Clinic. Treatment for Endometriosis
- American Cancer Society. Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors: Prevention
- American Cancer Society. Family History and Ovarian Cancer Risk
- Science reveals that endometriosis, a chronic disease impacting an estimated 1 in 10 women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States, interestingly shares a link with ovarian cancer, one of the chronic diseases under the health-and-wellness umbrella that women should be aware of.
- Symptoms of endometriosis, such as severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility, though distinct, can potentially increase the risk of epithelial ovarian cancers, particularly endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas.
- In the broader context of women's health, understanding the intersection of medical-conditions like endometriosis and ovarian cancer, their sympathetic and antagonistic factors, and the associated risks, plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and wellness.
