For many women living with endometriosis, the diagnosis itself can feel overwhelming. Several questions follow: about long-term health, fertility, and even cancer risk. Medical research continues to uncover the complex relationship between endometriosis and ovarian cancer. Recent studies suggest that while most women with endometriosis will never develop ovarian cancer, there may be a link worth knowing about. Learning the facts—not myths—can provide reassurance and guide women to appropriate medical care.

A Little About Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissues that line the uterus grow outside of it. These misplaced tissues can respond to hormonal changes as part of the monthly reproductive cycle, causing inflammation and scarring. It has several subtypes. Superficial endometriosis affects the mucous lining of the pelvic cavity. Some deep infiltrating endometriosis can affect the organs close to the uterus, such as the ovaries, bowels, and bladder.

The main symptoms of endometriosis are pain in the pelvic region, heavy and painful periods, pain during intercourse, and while urinating. If left unattended for long, endometriosis can also lead to infertility.

Endometriosis can be asymptomatic in some women. If in doubt, it is essential to undergo medical checkups to confirm the diagnosis. This can be done through pelvic examination, scans like ultrasound or MRI or laparoscopic examination. Endometriosis is not completely curable. But once diagnosed, its symptoms and intensity can be managed through hormonal therapy and in some cases, surgery.

Common Features of Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer

Endometriosis can sometimes evade the ovaries. Ovarian endometrioma is a subtype of endometriosis characterised by the formation of dark, fluid-filled cysts around the ovaries. These may not necessarily lead to ovarian cancer. However, these two conditions share several features and symptoms. Endometriosis, though it begins as benign ruptures, can later turn malignant. It spreads to the surrounding tissues and invades them like cancer.

Common Symptoms of Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer:

Some symptoms of the two conditions can be similar, leading to confusion and a difficult diagnosis.

• Lower back pain

• Pain while passing urine or during bowel movement

• Bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea

• Bleeding between periods

One major difference between the sets of symptoms of these two conditions is this: endometriosis symptoms worsen during menstrual cycles, when the bleeding occurs. But ovarian cancer symptoms usually show a linear worsening and usually do not increase or decrease in intensity according to the cycle.

Does Endometriosis Increase Ovarian Cancer Risk

The connection between endometriosis and ovarian cancer is not direct or exclusive. It depends on several subtypes of both conditions, along with other factors such as genetic composition and family and medical history. However, recent studies show that endometriosis has been associated with a four times heightened risk of ovarian cancer. This accounts for about 10 more cases per 10,000 women. This is particularly applicable in the case of women with more severe subtypes of endometriosis, like deep infiltrating endometriosis and ovarian endometriomas. In these cases, the risk goes up to nine times. The link was more clearly established in type I ovarian cancers, which include endometrioid, clear cell, mucinous, and low-grade serous carcinomas, than in type II. 

Some Other Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is not easy to detect early on. It may evade ultrasound or CA-125 measurements in the early stages. The symptoms sometimes appear late or are confused with other conditions, leading to a late diagnosis. Hence, knowing your risk factors is crucial. Some of them are:

• Obesity

• Menopause

• First child after age 35

• Not having a full-term pregnancy

• Having taken certain hormone therapies

• Family history of cancer, especially ovarian cancer

What STAR Hospitals has to say

Conditions like endometriosis and ovarian cancer can alter your life completely. It is always better to be informed and aware of one's own body to stay ahead and prevent risks. STAR Hospitals offers advanced options in gynaecological care, including diagnostics and treatments. The experts at STAR, supported by the dedicated caregivers, ensure speedy recovery and a smooth hospital experience for all patients. The care at STAR is patient-centric and multidisciplinary. Suppose you or your loved ones are looking to assess the risk of developing gynaecological conditions, wish to undergo tests or are seeking advanced treatment options. In that case, STAR Hospitals is your best option in Hyderabad.  Book an appointment today.