Endometriosis Linked to Cancer

A new study shows women with endometriosis may have an increased risk of developing certain rare cancers, including endocrine, ovarian, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and brain cancer.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue lining the inside of the uterus is found in other areas. The misplaced tissue may be found on the ovaries, bowels, bladder, peritoneum, or other sites outside the uterus. Endometriosis is the most common cause of pelvic pain but can be treated effectively if caught early.

Researchers in Sweden studied more than 60,000 women who were diagnosed with endometriosis. They then compared this data to the National Swedish Cancer Register to determine if a link exists between endometriosis and cancer.

Results of the study show women with endometriosis have a slightly increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. A women’s risk of developing ovarian cancer increased by nearly one half after being diagnosed with endometriosis. The risk of developing endocrine tumors increased by about a third, and the risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma increased by about a quarter. The risk of brain cancer increased by more than a fifth.