Endometriosis in menopause: a single institution experience
Matteo Morotti1, Valentino Remorgida, Pier Luigi Venturini
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Martino Hospital and University of Genoa, Largo R. Benzi 1, 16132, Genoa, Italy. dottmatteomorotti@libero.it
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
|July 25, 2012
Summary
Postmenopausal endometriosis can occur without hormone therapy. Ovarian endometriomas in postmenopausal women may show malignant changes, necessitating consideration in differential diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Pathology
Background:
- Endometriosis is a condition typically diagnosed in premenopausal women.
- Its occurrence and characteristics in postmenopausal women are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe clinical features of endometriosis in postmenopausal women.
- To evaluate lesion location, extent, and histopathology.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 72 postmenopausal women with endometriosis undergoing surgery.
- Data collected between January 1998 and December 2010.
Main Results:
- Median age at surgery was 58.5 years; 15.3% had prior endometriosis history.
- Ovary was the most frequent lesion site; 35% of ovarian endometriomas showed metaplasia to endometrioid carcinoma.
- Lesions had higher proportions of epithelium, stroma, and hemorrhage in patients with concomitant endometrial or ovarian cancer.
Conclusions:
- Endometriosis should be considered in postmenopausal ovarian cystic lesions.
- Exogenous estrogen is not required for postmenopausal endometriosis; active lesions observed without hormone therapy.
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