Advances for the Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer

Endometriosis (EMs) is one of the most common gynecological diseases, its incidence rate about 10%-15% of all pre-menopausal women. Epidemiological studies had shown that EMs increases the risk of development of ovarian cancer(OC),especially endometrioid and invasive clear cell carcinoma. The etiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer(EAOC) is not yet clear, which may associated with the hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1β or ARID1A gene mutations and oxidative stress, etc. EAOC mostly was diagnosed in the early stage which has non-specific clinical manifestations. EAOC, which confirmed diagnosis is histopathological examination, has high specificity and sensitivity in MRI. In the treatment, presently take performed surgery and supplemented by postoperative chemotherapy as the principal thing. It's targeted therapy and early prevention are equally important. Once EAOC is diagnosed, surgery should be performed as soon as possible. What's more, due to easily recurrence,close follow-up is necessary after the surgery. Currently in chemotherapy paclitaxel plus platinum-based was advocated,but the effect is not ideal. Recent studies showed that EAOC have a better prognosis than ovarian cancer without EMs. Key words: endometriosis; ovarian cancer; pathogenesis; treatment; prognosis