Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer: a review of pathogenesis

Endometriosis is classically defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside of the endometrial lining and uterine musculature. With an estimated frequency of 5%-10% among women of reproductive age, endometriosis is a common gynecologic disorder. While in itself a benign lesion, end...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of molecular sciences 2013-03, Vol.14 (3), p.5367-5379
Main Authors: Worley, Michael J, Welch, William R, Berkowitz, Ross S, Ng, Shu-Wing
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Endometriosis
epithelial ovarian carcinoma
malignant transformation
Ovarian cancer
Review
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Endometriosis is classically defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside of the endometrial lining and uterine musculature. With an estimated frequency of 5%-10% among women of reproductive age, endometriosis is a common gynecologic disorder. While in itself a benign lesion, endometriosis shares several characteristics with invasive cancer, has been shown to undergo malignant transformation, and has been associated with an increased risk of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). Numerous epidemiologic studies have shown an increased risk of EOC among women with endometriosis. This is particularly true for women with endometrioid and clear cell ovarian carcinoma. However, the carcinogenic pathways by which endometriosis associated ovarian carcinoma (EAOC) develops remain poorly understood. Current molecular studies have sought to link endometriosis with EAOC through pathways related to oxidative stress, inflammation and hyperestrogenism. In addition, numerous studies have sought to identify an intermediary lesion between endometriosis and EAOC that may allow for the identification of endometriosis at greatest risk for malignant transformation or for the prevention of malignant transformation of this common gynecologic disorder. The objective of the current article is to review the current data regarding the molecular events associated with EAOC development from endometriosis, with a primary focus on malignancies of the endometrioid and clear cell histologic sub-types.
ISSN:1422-0067
1661-6596
1422-0067
DOI:10.3390/ijms14035367