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Endometriosis Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, May 2009.

Answers to questions about endometriosis

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

I have endometriosis - will I get cancer?

Endometriosis isn't cancer and doesn't mean that you will get cancer. However, if you have endometriosis you're at an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

Explanation

Endometriosis isn't cancer, but is associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

  • Ovarian cancer. The ovaries are organs that are part of the female reproductive system - they produce eggs and the female hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.
  • Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). NHL is a cancer of your lymphatic system - a network of organs that includes the liver, spleen, thymus, and lymph glands (nodes) connected by lymph vessels.
  • Melanoma skin cancer. This is a form of skin cancer that grows from specific cells in your skin.
  • Breast cancer.

You're more likely to develop endometriosis and/or ovarian cancer if you:

  • started your periods early
  • went through the menopause late
  • have frequent, heavy or painful periods

It's not clear if having endometriosis directly leads to ovarian cancer or if there is an indirect link through a common cause.

You're less likely to develop endometriosis and/or ovarian cancer if you:

  • use the oral contraceptive
  • have had children

For more information about endometriosis or cancer talk to your GP.

Further information

Sources

  • Baldi A, Camponi M, Signorile PG. Endometriosis: pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy and association with cancer (review). Oncology Reports 2008; 19:843-846. www.spandidos-publications.com
  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007:722
  • Endometriosis. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. http://cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 11 August 2008
  • Causes of ovarian cancer. Macmillan Cancer Support. www.macmillan.org.uk, accessed 11 August 2008
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Will a hysterectomy cure my endometriosis?

No. There is no definitive cure for endometriosis. However, your symptoms can be helped by surgical treatment. If you have severe endometriosis, you may need to have a hysterectomy.

Explanation

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists states that the ideal treatment for endometriosis is to remove the endometriosis by surgery.

If you have severe endometriosis then your surgeon may recommend a hysterectomy (an operation to have your womb removed). After a hysterectomy you won't be able to become pregnant, so you should consider other forms of treatment to control your symptoms first.

You can get endometriosis even after a hysterectomy.

Endometriosis can re-occur after the menopause as well. So having your ovaries removed (to stop the production of oestrogen - one of the female hormones) may not stop symptoms of endometriosis. However, having your ovaries removed at the same time as a hysterectomy may help to relieve your pain and reduce your risk of needing further surgery.

Your surgeon will tell you about the options available to you.

Further information

Sources

  • Denny E, Mann CH. A clinical overview of endometriosis: a misunderstood disease. Br J Nursing 2007; 16:112-116. www.britishjournalofnursing.com
  • The investigation and management of endometriosis. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2006, RCOG Guideline no 24. www.rcog.org.uk
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I have heard about a procedure called LUNA - what is this?

LUNA stands for laparascopic uterine nerve ablation. LUNA is an operation to cut or remove parts of the nerves and ligaments in your pelvis - with the aim of reducing your pain.

Explanation

LUNA is a procedure that aims to reduce your pelvic pain by cutting or removing the nerves and ligaments in your pelvis.

LUNA is usually performed under general anaesthetic. This means you will be asleep during the procedure. The procedure involves passing a narrow, flexible, tube-like telescopic camera (a laparoscope) into your abdomen through a small cut. Your surgeon will find the ligaments attached to your cervix by looking at pictures sent to a monitor. These ligaments are then cut or removed.

Current evidence suggests that LUNA isn't effective at reducing the pain associated with endometriosis.

If you have severe endometriosis that doesn't get better after surgery, you may be offered an operation called a presacral neurectomy (PSN). This involves cutting the nerves at the bottom of your spine that connect to your uterus. There is some evidence to suggest that laparoscopic PSN is more effective at reducing pain than LUNA.

Further information

Sources

  • Laparoscopic uterine nerve ablation (LUNA) for chronic pelvic pain. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2007, Interventional Procedure Guidance 234. www.nice.org.uk
  • The investigation and management of endometriosis. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2006, RCOG Guideline no 24. www.rcog.org.uk
  • Endometriosis. BMJ Clinical Evidence. http://clinicalevidence.bmj.com, accessed 4 August 2008
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: May 2009

Endometriosis health factsheet

 

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