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Women with endometriosis can prioritize their health without unnecessary fear, ensuring they make the best choices for their well-being.
The most common symptom of endometriosis is said to be pelvic pain.
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition affecting millions of women worldwide. Known for its painful symptoms and complications, such as difficulty in conceiving, it is also linked with concerns about an increased risk of ovarian cancer. While the risk is relatively low, studies suggest that women with endometriosis may have a heightened probability of developing certain types of ovarian cancer. Understanding this connection and providing accurate information is essential to alleviate anxiety and promote proactive healthcare.
Dr. Smeet Patel, Endometriosis Specialist, Mayflower Women’s Hospital, Ahmedabad, emphasizes the importance of contextualizing this risk. “For women with endometriosis, the risk of developing ovarian cancer is about 2 to 4 times higher than those without it. However, in real terms, this translates to approximately 2 extra cases per 10,000 women annually. Most forms of endometriosis, especially superficial peritoneal endometriosis, do not pose a cancer risk,” he explains.
Certain factors, such as deep infiltrating endometriosis or ovarian endometriomas, may increase susceptibility to specific types of ovarian cancer, particularly endometrioid or clear cell ovarian cancer. “It is essential to understand that even though endometriosis acts like cancer in many ways, it is not cancer. This distinction is crucial for effective management and reducing patient concerns,” adds Dr. Patel.
Dr Sanjay Patel, an Endometriosis Surgeon, echoes these sentiments, noting that while there is a slightly elevated risk of ovarian cancers like endometrioid and clear cell carcinoma, the overall likelihood remains low. “The chance of malignancy arising from endometriosis lesions is about 1% in premenopausal women, increasing slightly to 1-2.5% postmenopause. However, not all forms of endometriosis carry this risk. For example, peritoneal endometriosis does not appear to contribute to elevated cancer rates,” he explains.
Interestingly, when ovarian cancer does develop in women with endometriosis, it often presents at a younger age and tends to have a better prognosis compared to other types of ovarian cancer. This highlights the importance of early diagnosis and vigilant health monitoring. “There is no evidence to recommend routine cancer surveillance or preventive surgeries for endometriosis patients. Instead, focusing on preventive measures, like using oral contraceptives, can effectively reduce ovarian cancer risks,” advises Dr Sanjay Patel.
Both experts emphasize that lifestyle changes and regular gynecological check-ups are key to managing overall health risks. “Oral contraceptives and healthy lifestyle habits not only mitigate the risk of ovarian cancer but also promote broader well-being,” says Dr. Smeet Patel.
For women navigating the uncertainties of endometriosis, education and proactive care are powerful tools. “Our goal is to empower women with accurate information to reduce anxiety and encourage healthy, informed choices,” concludes Dr. Smeet Patel.
By addressing misconceptions and focusing on actionable strategies, women with endometriosis can prioritize their health without unnecessary fear, ensuring they make the best choices for their well-being.