23) Endometriosis Flashcards
1
Q
What is the Definition of “Endometriosis”?
A
- It’s ABNORMAL Growth of Endometrial Tissue, OUTSIDE Uterine Cavity
- Affecting Ovaries, Fallopian Tubes + Adnexa
- Chronic Condition - affecting 25 - 40 years
2
Q
What are the Causes of Endometriosis?
A
- RETROGRADE Menstruation - backflow of menstrual blood thru Fallopian Tubes, and *deposits endometrial cells in Pelvic Cavity
- Hematogenous / Lymphatic Spread
- Genetics
- Nullparity
- EARLY Menarche
3
Q
What are the Common Locations?
A
- Pelvic Organs = Ovaries, Fallopian Tubes, Bladder, Cervix, Rectouterine Pouch
- Peritoneum = Broad Ligament
- Extrapelvic = Lungs, Diaphgram
4
Q
What are the Clinical Features?
A
- CYCLIC Pelvic Pain
- Dysmenorrhea (Painful Menstruation)
- Dyspareunia (Painful Sex)
- Dysuria (Painful Piss)
- Infertility
- Urinary Symptoms
- Dyschezia (Painful Shit)
5
Q
How is it Diagnosed?
A
- Physical Exam = Shows Adnexal Mass and Rectovaginal Tenderness
- INCREASED Ca-125
- Transvaginal US = Shows Ovarian Cysts (Chocolate)
NB! Laparoscopy is GOLD STANDARD - visualises endometrial implants, adhesions + cysts
- Biopsy = Confirms endometrial tissue outside the uterus
6
Q
What is the DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS of Endometriosis?
A
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Kidney Stones
7
Q
What is the Treatment?
A
CONSERVATIVE
- NSAIDs for pain relief
- Hormonal Contraceptives - to supress ovulation
- Synthetic Androgens
SURGICAL
- Laparoscopic Excision / Ablation
- Hysterectomy
8
Q
What are the STAGES of Endometriosis?
A
- Stage 1 = Restricted to Superficial Lesions
- Stage 2 = Extended to DEEP Lesions
- Stage 3 = Presence of Endometriomas / Chocolate Cysts on the ovary
- Stage 4 = LARGE Endometriomas and EXTENSIVE Adhesions
