"Clinicians need to be aware of the increased risk of specific ovarian cancer
subtypes in women with endometriosis." A threefold increased risk of clear-cell invasive ovarian cancer in patients
with self-reported endometriosis (P less than .0001) was found. A twofold
increased risk was noted for low-grade serous (P less than .0001) and
endometrioid invasive ovarian cancers (P less than .0001). "On the basis
of evidence, including the results of molecular studies, endometriosis should be
thought of as a precursor lesion for clear-cell and endometrioid ovarian
cancers, whereas the type of association with low-grade serous ovarian cancers
requires further follow-up," wrote the authors.
Dr. Gourley suggested that while the results do not mandate targeted
ovarian cancer screening of patients with endometriosis, such screening should
be considered.
