1.1 Definition
According to Webster’s New World/Stedman’s Concise Medical Dictionary,
Endometriosis (En’do-me-tri-o’sis) is “ectopic occurrence of endometrial tissue,
frequently forming cysts containing blood.”
The word Endometriosis is derived from the Greek words endon , meaning
“within,” metra, meaning “uterus,” and osis , meaning “abnormal or diseased
condition.” Endometriosis is a complex yet common debilitating gynecological
disease where the functional endometrial glands and stroma, which are normally
part of the innermost lining of the uterine cavity (the endometrium), are present
outside the uterine cavity. These locations include, but are not limited to, the
ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic peritoneum, gastrointestinal tract, bladder, rectovaginal
septum, and less commonly, the pericardium and pleura .
It is a highly prevalent disease among women of reproductive age . The
disease is estrogen dependent and has a chronic infl ammatory component.
1.2 Classifi cation of Endometriosis
1.2.1 ASRM Classifi cation (Stage 1 to Stage 4)
1.4 Symptoms and Signs of Endometriosis
1.5 Disease Background
1.5.1 Historical Perspectives
1.6 Key Points and Summary
2.1 Predisposing Factors
2.1.1 Early Menarche, Late Menopause, Low Parity
2.1.2 Hormonal Factors: High Estrogen and Low Progesterone
2.1.3 Exposure to Environmental Agents Such as Dioxins
2.1.4 Immunological Dysregulation
2.1.5 Genetic Predisposition and Epigenetic Alterations
2.1.6 Persistent Infl ammatory Status
9.6 Potential Biomarker for Non-invasive Diagnosis
9.6.1 Biomarkers: Peritoneal Fluid (Pf)
Management of Endometriosis
10.1 Pharmacological Treatment
10.1.1 Hormonal Therapies
10.2 Surgical Treatment of Endometriosis
10.2.1 Ovarian Endometriomata Surgical Management
