Atypical Endometriosis and Malignant Transformation

In: Imaging of Endometriosis: A Comparative Guide of US, MRI and Surgery · 2025 · pp. 67–86 · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-82750-1_4 · W4410897519
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Radiologic techniques are vital for detecting and characterizing atypical endometriosis and associated cancers, aiding diagnosis and treatment decisions.

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This chapter reviews the rare transformation of benign endometriosis into endometriosis-associated cancers, noting that atypical endometriosis has been described as a precursor to endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, particularly endometrioid and clear-cell ovarian carcinomas. It focuses on the pivotal role of imaging—ultrasound, CT, and especially MRI—in the early detection, characterization, and monitoring of atypical endometriosis and related ovarian and extra-ovarian cancers, while emphasizing the challenges of distinguishing benign from potentially malignant disease. The chapter highlights that the underlying physiopathology remains complex and controversial, which limits certainty about mechanisms even as imaging supports diagnostic work. This paper is centrally about endometriosis — it reviews atypical endometriosis and malignant transformation with an emphasis on imaging (US/CT/MRI) for distinguishing benign lesions from endometriosis-associated cancers.

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Abstract

The transformation of benign endometriosis into endometriosis-associated cancers is rare. The physiopathology of this phenomenon is still complex and remains controversial, but atypical endometriosis has been described as a precursor to endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, especially in endometrioid and clear-cell ovarian carcinomas. This chapter explores the pivotal role of imaging in the diagnosis of atypical endometriosis and endometriosis-associated cancers. Radiologic techniques, such as ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), play a crucial role in the early detection, characterization, and monitoring of atypical endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian and extra-ovarian cancers. The chapter also highlights the challenges in accurately diagnosing atypical endometriosis and emphasizes the significance of imaging modalities in distinguishing benign from potentially malignant tumors. A comprehensive understanding of the imaging features associated with atypical endometriosis and endometriosis-associated cancer is fundamental as it aids clinicians in making informed decisions regarding treatment strategies, contributing to improved patient outcomes. Access this chapter Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout Purchases are for personal use only Similar content being viewed by others

References

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Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-82750-1_4 Download citation DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-82750-1_4 Published: Publisher Name: Springer, Cham Print ISBN: 978-3-031-82749-5 Online ISBN: 978-3-031-82750-1 eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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