Endometriosis and ovarian cancer: a review

Nikos F. Vlahos; Theodoros Kalampokas; Stylianos Fotiou

doi:10.1080/09513590903184050

Endometriosis and ovarian cancer: a review

Nikos F. Vlahos, Theodoros Kalampokas, Stylianos Fotiou

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To describe the relationship between endometriosis and ovarian cancer.

SEARCH STRATEGY: Review of the relevant clinical, epidemiologic, and molecular biology literature.

SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies published in the English language using the MEDLINE database.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Relevant studies were reviewed by the three authors and those that seem to be of significant scientific value, based on the methodology and statistical power, were included.

MAIN RESULTS: Endometriosis and ovarian cancer share many common predisposing factors. Both conditions demonstrate similar patterns regarding local invasion and distal spread they respond similarly to estrogen-induced growth signaling, they express resistance to apoptotic mechanisms and they are characterized by genomic instability. Endometrioid and clear-cell are the most frequent types of ovarian cancer associated with endometriosis. Tubal ligation, in women with endometriosis, seems to prevent retrograde menstruation but it has also been shown to be protective from these types of ovarian cancer.

CONCLUSION: There is evidence to support that endometriosis (by definition a benign process), could simultaneously have the potential for malignant transformation. More studies are needed to establish risk factors that may lead to malignant transformation of this condition and to identify predisposed individuals who may require closer surveillance.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	213-219
Number of pages	7
Journal	Gynecological Endocrinology
Volume	26
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590903184050
State	Published - Mar 1 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Medicine

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10.1080/09513590903184050

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title = "Endometriosis and ovarian cancer: a review",

abstract = "OBJECTIVES: To describe the relationship between endometriosis and ovarian cancer.SEARCH STRATEGY: Review of the relevant clinical, epidemiologic, and molecular biology literature.SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies published in the English language using the MEDLINE database.DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Relevant studies were reviewed by the three authors and those that seem to be of significant scientific value, based on the methodology and statistical power, were included.MAIN RESULTS: Endometriosis and ovarian cancer share many common predisposing factors. Both conditions demonstrate similar patterns regarding local invasion and distal spread they respond similarly to estrogen-induced growth signaling, they express resistance to apoptotic mechanisms and they are characterized by genomic instability. Endometrioid and clear-cell are the most frequent types of ovarian cancer associated with endometriosis. Tubal ligation, in women with endometriosis, seems to prevent retrograde menstruation but it has also been shown to be protective from these types of ovarian cancer.CONCLUSION: There is evidence to support that endometriosis (by definition a benign process), could simultaneously have the potential for malignant transformation. More studies are needed to establish risk factors that may lead to malignant transformation of this condition and to identify predisposed individuals who may require closer surveillance.",

author = "Vlahos, {Nikos F.} and Theodoros Kalampokas and Stylianos Fotiou",

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AU - Kalampokas, Theodoros

AU - Fotiou, Stylianos

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AB - OBJECTIVES: To describe the relationship between endometriosis and ovarian cancer.SEARCH STRATEGY: Review of the relevant clinical, epidemiologic, and molecular biology literature.SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies published in the English language using the MEDLINE database.DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Relevant studies were reviewed by the three authors and those that seem to be of significant scientific value, based on the methodology and statistical power, were included.MAIN RESULTS: Endometriosis and ovarian cancer share many common predisposing factors. Both conditions demonstrate similar patterns regarding local invasion and distal spread they respond similarly to estrogen-induced growth signaling, they express resistance to apoptotic mechanisms and they are characterized by genomic instability. Endometrioid and clear-cell are the most frequent types of ovarian cancer associated with endometriosis. Tubal ligation, in women with endometriosis, seems to prevent retrograde menstruation but it has also been shown to be protective from these types of ovarian cancer.CONCLUSION: There is evidence to support that endometriosis (by definition a benign process), could simultaneously have the potential for malignant transformation. More studies are needed to establish risk factors that may lead to malignant transformation of this condition and to identify predisposed individuals who may require closer surveillance.

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Endometriosis and ovarian cancer: a review

Abstract

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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