Endometriosis Versus Ovarian Cancer

Endometriosis Versus Ovarian Cancer

For a number of Endometriosis sufferers who also have a family history of cancer, ovarian cancer can be a concern. Having Endometriosis does not mean that you will definitely develop ovarian cancer, however a higher percentage of Endo sufferers do end up with this disease too. So, is there any link between Endometriosis versus ovarian cancer, or are these two illnesses distinct and separate?

To understand what endometriosis is let's have a quick biology lesson. The tissue on the inside of the uterus is called the endometrium. It increases in volume every month in preparation for receiving a fertilized egg. However, should an egg fail to become fertilized within a certain period of time, the endometrium breaks down leading to the monthly menses.

For endometriosis sufferer's tissues similar to those normally found inside the uterus are present elsewhere. Endometriosis lesions can be found anywhere within the pelvic region, attached to the intestines, bladder, bowel and colon and, rarely, on the skin, in the vagina, brain, spine and lungs.

This results in internal bleeding, as well as swelling of the areas in which the endometrial tissue has now adhered to. This then leads to pain, commonly in line with menstrual cycles, and the formation of scar tissue in certain areas of the body.

Due to the impact that endometrial lesions can have on other organs complications can arise. In advances stages, the endometrial lesions can fuse organs together with adhesive scar tissues.

Women suffering from endometriosis suffer intense pain. The cause of the disorder has yet to be identified, but some scientists and doctors have put the argument forward that excess estrogen can give rise to it. As a result, women with endometriosis are often given hormone therapy to lower estrogen levels.

Although the movement of the endometrial tissue throughout the body may seem like a cancer-related malignancy, endometriosis is not considered a `cancer-like' disorder.

Ovarian cancer, on the other hand, involves the formation of cysts in the ovaries; when the cells of these cysts begin to migrate to other parts of the body and invade body tissues, then they can become malignant and cancerous.

Like migrating endometrium, migrating ovarian cancer cells can cause intense pain, and can disrupt body functions. And, like endometriosis, ovarian cancer is most likely caused by disruptions in hormonal levels.

Both endometriosis and ovarian cancer occur due to abnormalities in the female reproductive system. However, having Endometriosis does not mean you will develop ovarian cancer.

There is clearly a link between the two disorders in the endometriosis versus ovarian cancer debate. Not only are the two illnesses most likely caused by faulty hormonal levels, the fields of study dedicated to understanding them is young and growing. Both endometriosis and ovarian cancer can benefit highly from even more research, so that more women may be helped and cured in the coming years.