I take exception to the statement in the opening paragraph of the
otherwise valuable review by Engemise et al that endometriosis is a benign
disorder.
It has long been recognised that neoplasia may arise in endometriosis and
at a reported frequency of up to 3%. The ovary is by far the commonest
site where malignancy arises in association with endometriosis, but tumour
has been reported to develop from endometriosis at virtually every site
where endometriosis is found. Indeed, biopsies are taken prior to
treatment not only to confirm the diagnosis of endometrosis but also to
ensure that neoplasia, whether in situ or invasive, is not present.
Reference
Stern RC, Dash R, Bentley RC et al. Malignancy in endometriosis:
frequency and comparison of ovarian and extraovarian types. International
Journal of Gynecological Pathology 2001; 20: 133-139
Rapid Response:
Endometriosis is not benign
I take exception to the statement in the opening paragraph of the
otherwise valuable review by Engemise et al that endometriosis is a benign
disorder.
It has long been recognised that neoplasia may arise in endometriosis and
at a reported frequency of up to 3%. The ovary is by far the commonest
site where malignancy arises in association with endometriosis, but tumour
has been reported to develop from endometriosis at virtually every site
where endometriosis is found. Indeed, biopsies are taken prior to
treatment not only to confirm the diagnosis of endometrosis but also to
ensure that neoplasia, whether in situ or invasive, is not present.
Reference
Stern RC, Dash R, Bentley RC et al. Malignancy in endometriosis:
frequency and comparison of ovarian and extraovarian types. International
Journal of Gynecological Pathology 2001; 20: 133-139
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests