Endometriosis and cancer risk

Abstract

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological benign disease. Epidemiological evidence suggests a potential association between endometriosis and cancer risk. Accumulating evidence highlighted the risk of ovarian cancer, particularly endometrioid and clear cell subtypes. Few studies reported a modest correlation between endometriosis and various solid tumors including, endometrial cancer, and melanoma. However, inconsistencies remain across studies. Additionally, some data indicate an increased risk of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, underscoring the multifaceted nature of cancer risk in women with endometriosis. The underlying mechanisms include chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal dysregulation, and genetic alterations, such as mutations in ARID1A , PTEN , and KRAS , which contribute to the shared pathology between endometriosis and cancer. This paper explores the complex association between endometriosis and cancer, focusing on specific malignancies. This review emphasizes the importance of understanding the shared mechanisms between endometriosis and cancer. Although most women with endometriosis will not develop cancer, further research is essential to unravel the molecular pathways linking these conditions and enhance long-term outcomes for affected women.