Ovarian endometriosis as a premalignant condition: epidemiological, histological and molecular evidence

Abstract

Endometriosis is a common monoclonal benign proliferative disorder that may give rise to pelvic malignancy. Epithelial ovarian carcinoma is responsible for a large proportion of gynaecological cancer-associated deaths. Early diagnosis is difficult and screening is generally unsuccessful. Knowledge of the risk factors for the development of endometriosis and progression to malignancy may assist in identifying women at risk of developing endometriosis-related neoplasia.