What is it about?
Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent, quality-of-threatening disorder affecting 10-15% of women of the reproductive age group. We have explored the prevalence as well as the risk factors of ovarian, uterine, and breast cancer co-existing with endometriosis as they share certain common features.
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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Our study, involving 800 patients with severe endometriosis, concluded that there is a small but definite risk of co-existence of gynecologic and breast cancers. These cancers have distinct immuno-profiles different from those arising de novo. The incorporation of predictive risk factors in the current endometriosis management framework can help in early detection and tailored treatment of the subset of patients at higher risk.
Perspectives
Conducting this study with immense help from my co-authors was a great learning experience. As a Gynecologic Oncologist, I hope this article creates awareness regarding the risk of cancer associated with endometriosis, especially the severe cases, helps patients seek timely care, and reduce the impact of this debilitating condition on the quality f life.
Alka Dahiya
Christian Medical College
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Endometriosis and malignancy: The intriguing relationship, International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, February 2021, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13585.
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