Extra-pelvic endometriosis: A review
Tetsuya Hirata1,2, Kaori Koga2, Yutaka Osuga2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Doai Kinen Hospital Sumida-ku Japan.
Reproductive Medicine and Biology
|October 19, 2020
Summary
Extra-pelvic endometriosis, including abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) and thoracic endometriosis (TE), presents diagnostic challenges. Surgical treatment is effective for AWE, while TE requires a combination of surgery and hormonal therapy.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Extra-pelvic endometriosis is rare, occurring outside gynecological organs.
- Diagnosis is challenging, often leading to delayed treatment.
- This review focuses on abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) and thoracic endometriosis (TE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) and thoracic endometriosis (TE).
Main Methods:
- Literature search conducted to review AWE and TE.
- Overview of major types of extra-pelvic endometriosis provided.
Main Results:
- AWE includes scar and spontaneous types, often in the umbilicus or groin; surgery is effective.
- Catamenial pneumothorax/endometriosis-related pneumothorax (CP/ERP) diagnosis and treatment are challenging, requiring surgery and hormonal therapy.
- Catamenial hemoptysis (CH) is manageable with hormonal treatment.
Conclusions:
- Diagnosis and treatment strategies for extra-pelvic endometriosis are underdeveloped due to low prevalence and limited research.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration and a dedicated registry are recommended for better understanding and management.
