Endosalpingiosis

Endosalpingiosis is the presence of ectopic cystic glands lined with fallopian tube-like epithelium outside the fallopian tube. In this condition, ciliated columnar glandular epithelial tissue, typically found in the fallopian tube, implants in areas outside of it. The ectopic tissue is most commonly found in the female pelvis, including the uterine serosa, fallopian tube serosa, ovaries, round and uterosacral ligaments, cul-de-sac, and bladder. Implants have also been reported in the peritoneum, appendix, lymph nodes, omentum, mesentery, and integument. A rare subtype of endosalpingiosis, known as florid cystic endosalpingiosis (FCE), involves the implantation of endosalpingiosis as a benign mass with tumor-like lesions.  The presence of endosalpingiosis was first described in 1930 by Sampson in women who underwent tubal sterilization. Initially referred to as post-salpingectomy endometriosis, Sampson’s work was later refined through further research that revealed histological differences between endometriosis, which consists of endometrial stroma, and endosalpingiosis, which consists of ciliated glandular epithelium. Studies also found that endosalpingiosis does not elicit the same inflammatory response as endometriosis. Initially considered an incidental finding, more recent research has identified an association between endosalpingiosis and gynecological malignancy, prompting further investigation into its potential role as a precursor to malignancy.