Relationship between endometriosis and cancer from current perspective

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Women with endometriosis exhibit increased risks of ovarian, breast, and hematopoietic cancers, potentially linked to predisposing genetic, hormonal, and immunologic factors.

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This paper reviewed current English-language literature on mechanisms proposed to explain why women with endometriosis experience increased cancer incidence. The synthesis reports that, compared with the general population, women with endometriosis have about a twofold higher risk of ovarian cancer, modestly higher risk of breast cancer, and increased risk of hematopoietic malignancies (especially non-Hodgkin lymphoma). It concludes that endometriosis may predispose to cancer through multiple interacting factors, including genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, inflammatory, immunologic, and local environmental changes, while not providing a quantitative causal pathway. This paper is centrally about endometriosis — it focuses on the relationship between endometriosis and cancer risk and proposed underlying mechanisms.

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Abstract

PurposeTo examine the current mechanisms of the increased incidence of cancer in women with endometriosis.MethodsThe synthesis and review of the relevant current literature in English language.ResultsCompared with general population, women with endometriosis have two times higher risk for developing ovarian cancer, 30% higher risk for developing breast cancer, and 40% higher risk for developing hematopoietic malignancies, mainly non-Hodgkin lymphoma.ConclusionsEndometriosis comprises many predisposing factors including genetic, epigenetic, local environmental, hormonal, inflammatory and immunologic changes, for the development of some cancers.
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Abstract

Purpose To examine the current mechanisms of the increased incidence of cancer in women with endometriosis.

Methods

The synthesis and review of the relevant current literature in English language.

Results

Compared with general population, women with endometriosis have two times higher risk for developing ovarian cancer, 30% higher risk for developing breast cancer, and 40% higher risk for developing hematopoietic malignancies, mainly non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Conclusions

Endometriosis comprises many predisposing factors including genetic, epigenetic, local environmental, hormonal, inflammatory and immunologic changes, for the development of some cancers. Similar content being viewed by others

References

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Author information Authors and Affiliations Corresponding author Rights and permissions About this article Cite this article Kokcu, A. Relationship between endometriosis and cancer from current perspective. Arch Gynecol Obstet 284, 1473–1479 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-011-2047-y Received: Accepted: Published: Issue date: DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-011-2047-y

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Breast Neoplasms Endometriosis Hematologic Neoplasms Ovarian Neoplasms Breast Neoplasms Endometriosis Female Hematologic Neoplasms Humans Ovarian Neoplasms Risk Factors

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