Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer: A Genetic Connection

Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer: A Genetic Connection By Nasuhi Engin Aydin

Academicians Zhang and Yan from Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China, have recently published a pivotal study in Scientific Reports examining the cancer risk associated with endometriosis. Endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting approximately 6–10% of women worldwide, significantly diminishes quality of life…

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Impact of Endometriosis Subtypes on Increased Ovarian Cancer Risk

Impact of Endometriosis Subtypes on Increased Ovarian Cancer Risk By Özge Özkaya

The risk of ovarian cancer is markedly increased in patients with ovarian endometriomas and/or deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), according to a new study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.  These patients should be offered counseling about the risk of ovarian cancer and…

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Ovarian cancers arising in endometriosis: still an unresolved issue

Ovarian cancers arising in endometriosis: still an unresolved issue By Nasuhi Engin Aydin

Alice Bergamini and associates from San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy have published their results on clinicopathologic features of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers in a recent issue of the journal “Diagnostics”. The association between endometriosis and ovarian cancer was first noticed…

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New Model Can Help Understand How Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer Develops

New Model Can Help Understand How Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer Develops By Özge Özkaya

Researchers from Japan and the US developed a new mouse model in collaboration, that can be useful to better understand how endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer develops. This new model can help to assess new treatment options for both diseases. The team…

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The incidence of ovarian cancer after histologically diagnosed endometriosis.

The incidence of ovarian cancer after histologically diagnosed endometriosis. By Selma Oransay

Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among gynecologic cancers. Furthermore, these patients are generally diagnosed in advanced stage due to their non-symptomatic nature. Therefore, preventative strategies have enormous importance for the management of ovarian cancer.  Dr. Hermens and colleagues…

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What do endometriosis and ovarian cancer have in common?

What do endometriosis and ovarian cancer have in common? By Bahar Yuksel

While endometriosis is not a malignant disease, it is for sure known that it shares genetic disorders with cancers. In the bioinformatics study applied by Leyi Ni et al, the researchers analyzed the genetic pathways shared by both ovarian cancers…

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Endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and ovarian cancer

Endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and ovarian cancer By Eylül GÜN

Endometriosis is a locally aggressive and chronic inflammatory disease and it is now known that with various genetic pathways it creates susceptibility to certain cancers, the most common being ovarian cancer. Pelvic inflammatory disease on the other hand creates a…

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Ovarian cancer risk in endometriosis and adenomyosis

Ovarian cancer risk in endometriosis and adenomyosis By Eylül GÜN

Through the historical development of the nomenclature for endometriotic tissue found inside and/or outside the uterus, many terminologies have been used. The accepted terminology is still the one introduced by Sampson: “Endometriosis”. “Adenomyosis” also known as “endometriosis interna” which is…

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Uterine cancer risk in "endometriosis" and "adenomyosis"

Uterine cancer risk in By Selma Oransay

Adenomyosis and endometriosis share similar characteristics, and endometriosis is reported to have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. However, the risk of uterine cancer is not clear yet. Hermens and colleagues from Catharina Hospital, from the Netherlands, designed a population-based…

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Ovarian Cancer Survival in the presence of Endometriosis

Ovarian Cancer Survival in the presence of Endometriosis By Özge Özkaya

Women with ovarian cancer and histologically proven endometriosis have longer overall survival compared to those with ovarian cancer but no endometriosis, found a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.  “[…] Women diagnosed as having ovarian cancer…

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The genomic linkage between ovarian cancer and endometriosis

The genomic linkage between ovarian cancer and endometriosis By Eylül GÜN

Endometriosis has been proven to be the precursor of ovarian clear cell and endometrioid carcinomas, however, it is not well understood why and how endometriosis goes into malignant transformation.  To address this issue, in their review article, Dr. Yachida and…

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Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells are gaining importance in endometriosis

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells are gaining importance in endometriosis By Nasuhi Engin Aydin

Dr. Wertel and associates from Polish academic centers published their sentimental review paper on the role of "Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells" in human diseases, in a recent issue of  Cells. Endometriosis, the most common gynecological disease affecting about 10% of women globally,…

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Cancer, is that a real risk?

Cancer, is that a real risk? By Yu Yu

Endometriosis is non-malignant but shares some similar features with cancer, such as the occurrence of local and distant foci, the ability to resist cell death, and the ability to invade other tissues, causing damage to the organs. Endometriosis also generates…

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Ovarian, breast and endometrial cancer coexisting with endometriosis.

Ovarian, breast and endometrial cancer coexisting with endometriosis. By Selma Oransay

The invasive nature of endometriosis results in calling the disease " benign cancer". The transformation of endometriosis to malignancy is rare, but when compared to the general population, the relative risk of developing ovarian cancer is 4.2 times greater especially…

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Role of Prophylactic Oophorectomy in Endometriosis Patients with Ovarian Cancer History in the family - Farr Nezhat, MD

Role of Prophylactic Oophorectomy in Endometriosis Patients with Ovarian Cancer History in the family - Farr Nezhat, MD By Özge Özkaya

Dr. Nezhat starts his presentation by outlining his objectives, which are to review the basics of cancer genetics, give an overview about endometriosis and ovarian cancer, discuss the pathogenesis of malignant transformation of endometriosis, and talk about the clinical implications…

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Further Evidence that endometriosis is related to tubal or ovarian cancer - Togas Tulandi, MD

Further Evidence that endometriosis is related to tubal or ovarian cancer - Togas Tulandi, MD By Selma Oransay

Most authors suggest an association of endometriosis mainly with clear cell, low-grade serous, and endometrioid ovarian cancer.  But in two large cohort studies, no correlation between them is reported (Olson et al. 2002 and Tseng et al. 2019) Dr. Tulandi…

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Fallopian tube endometriosis

Fallopian tube endometriosis By Bahar Yuksel

Endometriosis affects various tissues including pelvic and extra-pelvic organs. Fallopian tube endometriosis is not a widely studied topic in endometriosis, hence the real incidence is unknown as not all studies evaluate microscopically diagnosed Fallopian tube endometriosis. In the retrospective database…

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Fallopian tubes and endometriosis

Fallopian tubes and endometriosis By Selma Oransay

There are multiple theories to explain the pathogenesis of endometriosis, among which the most popular one is Sampson's retrograde menstruation theory. The role of endometrial stem cells/progenitors are widely studied to support the origin of ectopic lesions in recent decades.…

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Immune System, Cytokines and Endometriosis

Immune System, Cytokines and Endometriosis By Dr. Youngran Park

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic disease. Diagnosing endometriosis is difficult because the signs and symptoms vary considerably. Therefore, the discovery of a reliable non-invasive diagnostic biomarker would represent a major advance for the clinical diagnosis of endometriosis.  It has been…

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The link between ovarian cancer and endosalpingiosis

The link between ovarian cancer and endosalpingiosis By Timur Seckin

The presence of benign glands lined by tubal-type epithelium in the peritoneum and subperitoneal tissues is called "endosalpingiosis". A recent study that investigates the possible association between endosalpingiosis and ovarian cancer was conducted by Hermens et al., from the Netherlands, and has…

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Consquences of endometriosis in menopausal period.

Consquences of endometriosis in menopausal period. By Selma Oransay

Marie-Scemama et al. from Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France, referred to endometriosis and menopause which is an actual cruising topic and recently published it in the journal named "Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation". Endometriosis a well-known estrogen-dependent disease has three…

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Epithelial Mutations in Endometriosis

Epithelial Mutations in Endometriosis By Dr. Youngran Park

A substantial body of epidemiologic evidence suggests a link between endometriosis and epithelial ovarian cancer, but a plausible underlying mechanism has remained elusive. Here, Dr. Bulun group from Northwestern University provide a focused review of the literature and discuss the…

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Estrogen Receptor Signaling and Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer

Estrogen Receptor Signaling and Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer By Selma Oransay

Andersen et al. published a prospective cohort study in the Journal of Hormones and Cancer to enlighten the estrogen signaling pathway during the transition from endometriosis to endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer. Given the shared pathway of endometriosis and ovarian cancer as…

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A link between endometrioid ovarian carcinoma and endometriosis.

A link between endometrioid ovarian carcinoma and endometriosis. By Selma Oransay

Ciavattini et al.from Polytechnic University Ancona, Italy create a pilot study which recently published in Oncology Letters to clarify the link between endometriosis and endometrioid ovarian cancer. The unfolded protein response (UPR) activity as a promoter of neoplastic progression of malignancies is…

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Clonal Proliferation and Cancer Associated Mutations in normal uterine endometrium and endometriosis

Clonal Proliferation and Cancer Associated Mutations in normal uterine endometrium and endometriosis By Serdar Balci

Suda et. al., from Niigata University, Japan, has published the article entitled "Clonal Expansion and Diversification of Cancer-Associated Mutations in Endometriosis and Normal Endometrium" in Cell Reports. There are many theories for endometriosis development (retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia, Müllerian remnants),…

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Epigenetic link between endometriosis and cancer

Epigenetic link between endometriosis and cancer By Nasuhi Engin Aydin

Although endometriosis is considered a benign condition the cellular, histologic, and molecular data strongly demonstrate that endometriosis has neoplastic characteristics. There is strong evidence that endometriosis shares striking features with malignancy like normal tissue dissemination, invasion, and organ damage, as well as new vessel formation (neoangiogenesis).  In…

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Managing of endometriosis and associated ovarian cancer risk

Managing of endometriosis and associated ovarian cancer risk By Yu Yu

According to a number of studies, endometriosis is associated with moderate increase in ovarian cancer risk. This risk is elevated in subjects with a long-standing history of untreated ovarian endometriosis. Endometriosis is particularly associated with risk for certain histological subtypes…

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Are there any risk factor associated with the progression of endometriosis to ovarian cancer?

Are there any risk factor associated with the progression of endometriosis to ovarian cancer? By Murat Osman

Endometriosis is a disease whereby endometrial glands proliferate outside of the endometrial lining. Apart from causing significant morbidity, It has been found that endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of progression to endometroid and clear cell ovarian cancer. However,…

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Is the presence of endometriosis associated with a survival benefit in pure ovarian clear cell carcinoma?

Is the presence of endometriosis associated with a survival benefit in pure ovarian clear cell carcinoma? By Dr. Youngran Park

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) has been known to be associated with endometriosis for a long time. However, the impact of the presence of endometriosis around the tumor on the prognoses of women with OCCC is still controversial. To shed…

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When Endometriosis Becomes Malignant

When Endometriosis Becomes Malignant By Kasthuri Nair

Anglesio and Yong recently wrote a review titled “Endometriosis-associated Ovarian Cancers” that was published in Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. This review explored the relationship between endometriosis and ovarian cancers. It is important to note that this review is a compilation of…

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Women with Endometriosis Should Not Worry About Ovarian Cancer

Women with Endometriosis Should Not Worry About Ovarian Cancer By Kasthuri Nair

Kvaskoff, Horne and Missmer recently published an article in The Lancet titled “Informing women with endometriosis about ovarian cancer risk.” This article was written to address the growing concern surrounding the information that women suffering from endometriosis are at increased…

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EFA Medical Conference 2017: "Ovarian Cancer" Presentation by  Dr. Jeannine Villella

EFA Medical Conference 2017: By Kasthuri Nair

Dr. Jeannine Villella, the Chair of Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of OBGYN at Lenox Hill, presented at the 2017 EFA Medical Conference. Her presentation was titled “Ovarian Cancer, ” and she discussed the similarities, differences, and links between ovarian…

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EFA Medical Conference 2017: Welcome Presentation by Dr. Tamer Seckin

EFA Medical Conference 2017: Welcome Presentation by Dr. Tamer Seckin By Kasthuri Nair

The first part of the Endometriosis Foundation of America’s 2017 Medical Conference delved into the mission and history of the Endometriosis Foundation of America. The first presenter was Dr. Tamer Seckin, a renowned surgeon, and gynecologist who is also the…

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An update of estrogen receptors on human disease

An update of estrogen receptors on human disease By Yu Yu

Estrogens and its receptors influence numerous human physiological processes. Two estrogen receptors exist, including estrogen receptor α (ERα) and ERβ. Hence, it is essential to elucidate the functions of these receptors in healthy and diseased states. This is particularly important…

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Is there any association between menstrual pain and ovarian cancer?

Is there any association between menstrual pain and ovarian cancer? By Yu Yu

Inflammation may be important in ovarian carcinogenesis. Epidemiological studies show that inflammatory conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease have been associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, while regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has reduced associated…

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New Approach could help Preoperative Differentiation of Endometriosis and Cancer

New Approach could help Preoperative Differentiation of Endometriosis and Cancer By Özge Özkaya

Researchers in Japan identified some radiological parameters that could be used to differentiate between endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) and a particular type of benign ovarian endometriosis (OE), making it easier for doctors to offer the right treatment to women who…

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Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer Risk

Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer Risk By Yu Yu

Ovarian cancer prevalence in women with endometriosis is higher than the general population. It is often hypothesized that endometriosis-associated malignancies can occur from ovarian endometrioma. This systematic review by Taniguchi highlighted new insights on the relationship between endometriosis and ovarian…

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Is it Estrogen that Regulates Endometriosis Pain?

Is it Estrogen that Regulates Endometriosis Pain? By Yu Yu

Endometriosis-associated pain is a debilitating condition; however, it is surprising that the perceived pain has no correlation to the endometriosis extent. The mechanism that causes the pain is also poorly understood. Nerve growth factor is enhanced in endometriosis and may increase…

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Genetic Variations May Link Risk of Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer

Genetic Variations May Link Risk of Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer By Özge Özkaya

Variations in a gene called HNF1B could be linked to the risk of endometriosis, according to a study published in the medical journal Gynecologic Oncology. Previous studies had identified the same genetic variation as a risk factor for ovarian cancer.…

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