Endometriosis and Melanoma: A Narrative Review of Epidemiological and Biological Evidence

We are pleased to submit our manuscript entitled "Endometriosis and Melanoma: A Narrative Review of Epidemiological and Biological Evidence" for consideration for publication as a review article in Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare. Endometriosis and melanoma are both complex, multifactorial conditions that significantly impact women's health. Recent research has indicated a potential epidemiological association between these two disorders, suggesting that they may share underlying biological pathways—including genetic susceptibility, hormonal regulation, and immune dysregulation. Given the clinical importance of understanding potential comorbidities in gynecological patients, we conducted this narrative review to synthesize the current evidence regarding this link. Our review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines , examines 17 studies to evaluate both the risk of melanoma in women with endometriosis and the possibility of a reverse association. Our findings highlight that while epidemiological data consistently report a modestly increased risk of melanoma in women with endometriosis, the relationship remains complex and potentially influenced by shared molecular pathways, such as alterations in TP53, PTEN, and CDKN2A. We believe this paper will be of significant interest to the readership of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the current scientific consensus and highlights the need for further prospective, large-scale studies to clarify these associations. Thank you for your time and for considering our work for publication. We look forward to hearing from you.