Malignant transformation of endometriosis and its clinical significance

摘要

Endometriosis is a disorder in which endometrial glands and stroma are abnormally present in locations other than the uterine lining. It is estimated to be present in 2%-10% of women in the reproductive age group and up to 30% of infertile, wo men. Postmenopausal women represent an estimated 2%-5% of all cases of endometriosis (1). The exact etiology of endometriosis has yet to be clarified. Some of the more common and accepted theories include retrograde menstruation, celomic metaplasia, and embryonic cell and lymphatic and vascular dissemination. Furthermore, endometriosis is generally considered to have a multifactorial etiology, including genetic, hormonal, and immunologic factors.