[Endometriosis and adenomyosis]
Pierre-Alexandre Just1, Sandrine Moret1, Bruno Borghese2
1Université de Paris, service de pathologie, AP-HP, hôpital Cochin, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France.
Annales De Pathologie
|June 29, 2021
Summary
This review clarifies distinct clinico-pathological features of endometriosis-related lesions, including adenomyosis and endometriomas. It highlights their differential diagnoses and potential for ovarian tumor transformation.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Pathology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Endometriosis encompasses various clinico-pathological entities like adenomyosis and endometriomas, characterized by ectopic endometrial tissue.
- While often associated, these lesions possess distinct features requiring accurate pathological recognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical and pathological characteristics of endometriosis-related lesions.
- To discuss current physiopathological insights and differential diagnoses.
- To explore the association between endometriosis and ovarian tumors, including transformation potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical and pathological features of endometriosis.
- Analysis of physiopathological understandings.
- Examination of molecular and morphological data on endometriosis-associated ovarian tumors.
Main Results:
- Endometriosis lesions, including diffuse/focal adenomyosis, endometriomas, and superficial/deep infiltrating endometriosis, are distinct entities.
- Differential diagnoses for morphological variants are discussed.
- A strong statistical association exists between endometriosis and ovarian tumors (endometrioid/clear cell carcinomas, seromucinous borderline tumors).
Conclusions:
- Accurate pathological identification of distinct endometriosis-related lesions is crucial.
- Understanding these entities aids in managing associated conditions and recognizing malignant transformation risks.
- Morphological and molecular features support the link between endometriosis and ovarian cancer development.
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