Endometriosis after menopause: physiopathology and management of an uncommon condition

The "Road" to Malignant Transformation from Endometriosis to Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancers (EAOCs): An mTOR-Centred Review

Ovarian cancer is an umbrella term covering a number of distinct subtypes. Endometrioid and clear-cell ovarian carcinoma are endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers (EAOCs) frequently arising from ectopic endometrium in the ovary. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a crucial regulator of cellular homeostasis and is dysregulated in both endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, potentially favouring carcinogenesis across a spectrum from benign disease with cancer-like characteristics, through an atypical phase, to frank malignancy. In this review, we focus on mTOR dysregulation in endometriosis and EAOCs, investigating cancer driver gene mutations and their potential interaction with the mTOR pathway. Additionally, we explore the complex pathogenesis of transformation, considering environmental, hormonal, and epigenetic factors. We then discuss postmenopausal endometriosis pathogenesis and propensity for malignant transformation. Finally, we summarize the current advancements in mTOR-targeted therapeutics for endometriosis and EAOCs.

Postmenopausal endometriosis: a challenging condition beyond menopause

IMPORTANCE AND OBJECTIVE

Postmenopausal endometriosis is a complex condition that challenges the conventional belief that endometriosis resolves with menopause. Despite the cessation of menstruation, a subset of women continues to experience or develop endometriosis-related symptoms during the postmenopausal period. Thus, this review aimed to shed light on postmenopausal endometriosis, exploring its clinical features, diagnostic considerations, management approaches, and the potential impact on women's health.

METHODS

PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were used for the research, with only articles in English language, using the following terms: "postmenopausal endometriosis," "menopause," "management," "treatment," and "quality of life," from inception to 2023.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The clinical features of postmenopausal endometriosis include persistent or recurrent pelvic pain, dyspareunia, bowel, or urinary symptoms and, occasionally, abnormal vaginal bleeding. The absence of menstrual cycles presents a diagnostic challenge, as the traditional diagnostic criteria for endometriosis rely on menstrual patterns. Visual cues may be less evident, and the symptoms often overlap with other gynecological conditions, necessitating a thorough evaluation to differentiate postmenopausal endometriosis from other potential causes. Management approaches for postmenopausal endometriosis encompass surgical intervention, hormonal therapies, pain management, and individualized care. Postmenopausal endometriosis significantly impacts the quality of life, sexual health, and long-term well-being of women. Understanding the clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and management approaches of postmenopausal endometriosis is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide effective care and to improve the quality of life of women affected by this condition.

Endometriosis in Menopausal Women-A New Age Is Coming? Literature Review

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue, that leads to dysmenorrhea, painful intercourse and infertility. The shift in paradigm from the previous belief that endometriosis exclusively impacts women of reproductive age has brought attention to the condition in both premenarchal and postmenopausal women. Currently, 2-4% of postmenopausal women have endometriosis. Many women experience menopausal symptoms during the peri- and postmenopausal periods and require extensive investigations and monitoring in order to avoid the recurrence of endometriosis symptoms or the risk of malignant transformation when treatment with menopausal hormones is elected. Our goal was to compile and present a clear and concise overview of the existing literature on postmenopausal endometriosis, offering an up-to-date and precise summary of the available information.

Downregulation of lncRNA LINC01465 predicts ovarian endometriosis and its prognosis

The well-known impact of ovarian endometriosis on female quality of life and the established role of lncRNA LINC01465 in ovarian cancer pathogenesis have been extensively documented; however, the relationship between LINC01465 and ovarian endometriosis is still not clear. This study seeks to explore the potential involvement of LINC01465 in the disease. The study analyzed a sample of 80 endometriosis patients and 80 healthy women. The expression of LINC01465 was measured in ectopic and eutopic endometrial tissues through RT-qPCR. The diagnostic potential of serum LINC01465 levels was evaluated using ROC curve analysis, and the patients were followed up for 3 years after treatment to monitor recurrence. The results revealed that the expression of LINC01465 was significantly lower in ectopic endometrial tissues in comparison to paired eutopic tissues for most of the patients. No correlation was found between the patient's age or lifestyle and serum LINC01465 levels. After treatment, the serum LINC01465 level increased, and patients who experienced recurrence had significantly lower levels compared to those who did not. In conclusion, the study findings suggest that the downregulation of LINC01465 plays a role in the pathogenesis of ovarian endometriosis and may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for the disease.

Case Series and a Literature Review: Two Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma Cases with Recurrent Endometriosis

Introduction

Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) is rare, occurring approximately in 1% of women with ovarian endometriosis. The main histological types are endometrioid adenocarcinoma and clear cell carcinoma (CCC), with the latter being the least common.

Case Presentation

In our hospital, we recently summarized two patients with ovarian clear cell carcinoma with similar characteristics. They all had endometriosis for a long time and had undergone ovarian cyst removal due to a chocolate cyst. Unfortunately, the cyst recurred after surgery, and the histological diagnosis was clear cell carcinoma. In case 1, the expression of P53 was found in the tumor by regular examination, and the stage was IIB. In Case 2, we found it in intraoperative freezing; the stage was IA. Case 1 has been treated with the TP regimen six times, and the survival period has reached one year. Case 2 had a survival period of 6 years after completing six TP regimen treatments. Clinicians should pay attention to patients with a long history of endometriosis and postoperative recurrence of ovarian cysts accompanied by serum CA-125 of more than 200U/mL. Imaging examination has a good prospect in diagnosing malignant transformation of endometriosis, especially PET-CT.

Conclusion

This case report highlights the risk factors related to the formation of ovarian clear cell carcinoma and suggests that the follow-up of patients with ovarian endometriosis is essential because of its recurrence characteristics. Radical surgery and postoperative platinum-containing chemotherapy are the primary treatment methods at present.

Endometriosis and menopause-management strategies based on clinical scenarios

Endometriosis is largely considered a premenopausal disease with symptoms often improving during menopausal transition. However, 2%-4% of postmenopausal women are affected by endometriosis symptoms. At the same time, many peri- and postmenopausal women experience menopausal symptoms and inquire about treatment. Because of the estrogen-dependent nature of endometriosis, treatment with menopausal hormone therapy requires careful assessment of the patient but should nevertheless be considered. Recurrence of endometriosis symptoms and risk for malignant transformation are potential risks to weigh when prescribing menopausal hormonal therapy. Choice of treatment should be guided by the presence and severity of current endometriosis symptoms, nature of menopausal symptoms, risk assessment of potential contraindications for treatment in patient history, and preferences of the woman after an informative discussion. Recurrence of endometriosis symptoms in a postmenopausal patient should always prompt rigorous evaluation, both in the presence and absence of hormonal treatment. Many recommendations on the topic are based on expert opinion and new studies are urgently needed to obtain evidence for optimal patient care.

Insight into the Potential Mechanisms of Endocrine Disruption by Dietary Phytoestrogens in the Context of the Etiopathogenesis of Endometriosis

Phytoestrogens (PEs) are estrogen-like nonsteroidal compounds derived from plants (e.g., nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables) and fungi that are structurally similar to 17β-estradiol. PEs bind to all types of estrogen receptors, including ERα and ERβ receptors, nuclear receptors, and a membrane-bound estrogen receptor known as the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). As endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with pro- or antiestrogenic properties, PEs can potentially disrupt the hormonal regulation of homeostasis, resulting in developmental and reproductive abnormalities. However, a lack of PEs in the diet does not result in the development of deficiency symptoms. To properly assess the benefits and risks associated with the use of a PE-rich diet, it is necessary to distinguish between endocrine disruption (endocrine-mediated adverse effects) and nonspecific effects on the endocrine system. Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease of unknown etiopathogenesis, in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside of the uterus with subsequent complications being manifested as a result of local inflammatory reactions. Endometriosis affects 10-15% of women of reproductive age and is associated with chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. In this review, the endocrine-disruptive actions of PEs are reviewed in the context of endometriosis to determine whether a PE-rich diet has a positive or negative effect on the risk and course of endometriosis.

A Large Ovarian Endometrioma Occupying the Abdominal Cavity in a Postmenopausal Patient: A Case Report

Endometriosis is defined by the presence of endometrial-like glands and/or stroma outside the uterus. The prevalence of endometriosis in postmenopausal women is reported to be 2.55%, which is much lower than that in reproductive-aged women. Ovarian endometriomas are the most common form of endometriosis. However, these form only 4.3% of ovarian masses in patients in the sixth decade of life. In this manuscript, we report the case of a 60-year-old patient who was referred to our department with an external diagnosis of an abdominal mass. The patient was in good general condition and asymptomatic. A computed tomography scan revealed the presence of a cystic mass originating from the right adnexa and measuring 26 cm. No signs of malignancy were observed. Due to the cyst's size, a midline laparotomy and a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed successfully. A postoperative histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of an ovarian endometrioma with no signs of hyperplasia or atypia. Cases of postmenopausal large ovarian endometriomas are few. However, due to the risk of malignant transformation, an oophorectomy could be considered the treatment of choice, even in asymptomatic patients.

Aberrant epigenetic regulation of estrogen and progesterone signaling at the level of endometrial/endometriotic tissue in the pathomechanism of endometriosis

Endometriosis is a term referring to a condition whereby the endometrial tissue is found outside the uterine cavity. This progressive and debilitating condition affects up to 15% of women of reproductive age. Due to the fact that endometriosis cells may express estrogen receptors (ERα, Erβ, GPER) and progesterone (P4) receptors (PR-A, PR-B), their growth, cyclic proliferation, and breakdown are similar to the processes occurring in the endometrium. The underlying etiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis are still not fully explained. The retrograde transport of viable menstrual endometrial cells with the retained ability to attach within the pelvic cavity, proliferate, differentiate and invade into the surrounding tissue explains the most widely accepted implantation theory. Endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs) with clonogenic potential constitute the most abundant population of cells within endometrium that resemble the properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Accordingly, formation of the endometriotic foci in endometriosis may be due to a kind of EnSCs dysfunction. Increasing evidence indicates the underestimated role of epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Hormone-mediated epigenetic modifications of the genome in EnSCs or even MSCs were attributed an important role in the etiopathogenesis of endometriosis. The roles of excess estrogen exposure and P4 resistance were also found to be crucial in the development of epigenetic homeostasis failure. Therefore, the aim of this review was to consolidate the current knowledge regarding the epigenetic background of EnSCs and MSCs and the changed properties due to estrogen/P4 imbalances in the context of the etiopathogenesis of endometriosis.

Endometrial Cyst Presenting as a Vague Abdominal Lump in a Postmenopausal Woman

A postmenopausal woman presented with a predominantly right-sided abdominal lump, insidious in onset and not associated with any aggravating or relieving factors. Physical examination revealed a soft cystic mass extending from the right hypochondrium to the right iliac fossa region crossing the midline. Ultrasonography of the abdomen and pelvis showed a large cystic anechoic area noted in the abdomen extending from the epigastric region to the pelvis. Contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis showed a large non-enhancing cystic lesion in the pelvis suggesting the possibility of a right ovarian cyst or mesenteric cyst. Laparotomy was performed and the excised specimen was sent for histopathological analysis, which confirmed it to be an endometrial cyst.

Evaluating the Link Between Self-Reported Endometriosis and Female Sexual Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Studies have found that women with endometriosis have a higher risk of female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

AIM

To evaluate the relationship between self-reported endometriosis and FSD utilizing validated surveys.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among sexually active women aged 18-90 who presented to 3 Mayo Clinic sites from 2015 to 2021. FSD was determined utilizing a combined endpoint of Female Sexual Function Index score ≤ 26.55 and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised score ≥ 11. Associations between history of endometriosis and FSD were evaluated by fitting 3 multivariable logistic models and were stratified by menopause status. In the first model, the association was adjusted for age, BMI, race/ethnicity, marital status, and education. The second model adjusted for the variables in Model 1 and hormone therapy, hormonal contraceptive use, self-reported history of abuse within the last year, and co-morbidities including the history of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, and stroke. The third model adjusted for the variables in Model 1, Model 2, and anxiety, depression, relationship satisfaction, and SSRI/SNRI use.

OUTCOMES

The outcomes included self-reported endometriosis and female sexual dysfunction determined utilizing a combined endpoint of Female Sexual Function Index score ≤ 26.55 and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised score ≥ 11.

RESULTS

Of 7118 patients (mean age 51.3), 92.2% were white, 78.4% were peri- or postmenopausal, 8.7% reported endometriosis history, and 57.2% met the criteria for FSD. Women with endometriosis were more likely to be overweight or obese, be smokers, have had a history of heart disease and osteoporosis, have had anxiety and depressed mood, have had a hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and have used hormone therapy. Compared to those without endometriosis, women with endometriosis were significantly more likely to have FSD only among premenopausal women (74.2% vs 57.4%). Similarly, in multivariable analysis the relationship was only seen for premenopausal women in all 3 models (Model 1: OR 2.74 (95% CI 1.43-5.27); Model 2: OR 2.55 (95% CI 1.30-5.04); Model 3: OR 2.30 (95% CI 1.13-4.68)).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

These findings highlight the opportunity for healthcare practitioners to evaluate sexual function in premenopausal women with endometriosis. For peri and postmenopausal women with endometriosis, the risk of FSD was lower than for premenopausal women with endometriosis.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This study analyzed the association between endometriosis and FSD in women by menopause status using validated tools that included a measure of distress associated with sexual dysfunction. Limitations include its cross-sectional design which does not allow for determination of the direction of this association.

CONCLUSION

The risk for FSD associated with endometriosis depends on menopause status. Endometriosis increased the odds of FSD only in premenopausal women. Kling JM, Ghaith S, Smith T, et al. Evaluating the Link Between Self-Reported Endometriosis and Female Sexual Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2022;19:1533-1561.

Revisiting the Risk Factors for Endometriosis: A Machine Learning Approach

Endometriosis is a condition characterized by implants of endometrial tissues into extrauterine sites, mostly within the pelvic peritoneum. The prevalence of endometriosis is under-diagnosed and is estimated to account for 5-10% of all women of reproductive age. The goal of this study was to develop a model for endometriosis based on the UK-biobank (UKB) and re-assess the contribution of known risk factors to endometriosis. We partitioned the data into those diagnosed with endometriosis (5924; ICD-10: N80) and a control group (142,723). We included over 1000 variables from the UKB covering personal information about female health, lifestyle, self-reported data, genetic variants, and medical history prior to endometriosis diagnosis. We applied machine learning algorithms to train an endometriosis prediction model. The optimal prediction was achieved with the gradient boosting algorithms of CatBoost for the data-combined model with an area under the ROC curve (ROC-AUC) of 0.81. The same results were obtained for women from a mixed ethnicity population of the UKB (7112; ICD-10: N80). We discovered that, prior to being diagnosed with endometriosis, affected women had significantly more ICD-10 diagnoses than the average unaffected woman. We used SHAP, an explainable AI tool, to estimate the marginal impact of a feature, given all other features. The informative features ranked by SHAP values included irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the length of the menstrual cycle. We conclude that the rich population-based retrospective data from the UKB are valuable for developing unified machine learning endometriosis models despite the limitations of missing data, noisy medical input, and participant age. The informative features of the model may improve clinical utility for endometriosis diagnosis.

Endometriosis in women undergoing ovarian tissue transplantation due to premature menopause after gonadotoxic treatment or spontaneous premature ovarian failure

INTRODUCTION

Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue with subsequent transplantation is an efficient option for restoring fertility in women at risk of premature ovarian failure. The association between infertility and endometriosis is well recognized. Although endometriosis usually ends with the onset of natural or iatrogen menopause due to declining estrogen levels, endometriosis can in rare cases occur after menopause. This study aims to investigate women with premature menopause who were diagnosed with endometriosis during laparoscopy for ovarian tissue transplantation, and to address the questions of how endometriotic lesions after cytotoxic treatment and premature menopause might be explained, whether endometriosis affects pregnancy rates, and whether there is an association between endometriosis and the original cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventeen patients who had undergone ovarian tissue transplantation to restore their fertility and who were diagnosed with endometriosis during transplantation were included in this retrospective study. The endometriosis foci were completely removed and ovarian tissue was transplanted into the pelvic peritoneum. Preexisting conditions, use of hormonal preparations, endometriosis stage pain assessment, as well as pregnancy and live birth rate were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 29.5 ± 6.3 years (range 14-39) at the time of ovarian tissue harvest and 34.6 ± 4.3 years (range 28-40) at transplantation. Prior to transplantation, four patients had taken hormone replacement therapy, four women oral contraceptives and two patients' tamoxifen. Twelve women had stage I endometriosis and five stage II endometrioses according to the rASRM classification. Four patients reported dysmenorrhea. None of the women complained of general pelvic pain or dyspareunia. The pregnancy rate in the study population was 41.2%, with a live birth rate of 35.3%. The pregnancies occurred in three cases after spontaneous conception, in four women after a natural cycle IVF/ICSI.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the under-researched association between endometriosis in women entering premature or early menopause either after gonadotoxic treatment or due to primary ovarian insufficiency. As more and more patients seek to have their cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplanted to fulfill their desire to have children, specialists will inevitably encounter women with this condition.

Metformin as a Potential Treatment Option for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common disease in women of reproductive age, and its pathogenesis seems to be largely affected by hormone imbalance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy dysregulation. These pathophysiological disturbances interact with one another through mechanisms that are still awaiting elucidation. The aim of this article is to present current knowledge regarding the possibilities of using metformin in the pharmacological treatment of endometriosis. Metformin is an insulin sensitizer widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The pleiotropic effects of metformin are mainly exerted through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, which is the key cellular energy homeostasis regulator that inhibits mTOR, a major autophagy suppressor. Metformin regresses endometriotic implants by increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase. It is also an inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2, decreasing the levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in animal studies. In endometriosis, metformin might modify the stroma-epithelium communication via Wnt2/β-catenin. With its unique therapeutic mechanisms and no serious side effects, metformin seems to be a helpful anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative agent in the treatment of endometriosis. It could be a missing link for the successful treatment of this chronic disease.

Age‐dependent phenotypes of ovarian endometriomas

Purpose

To analyze the characteristics of the ovarian endometrioma (OE) across the life span of a woman. In the past, the OE has traditionally been viewed as a single, monolithic disease. Today, there are emerging data indicating that OE phenotypes differ according to the age of the woman.

Method

A narrative review of original articles on OE indexed by PubMed.

Results

When appearing in infancy and early adolescence, OE may be the consequence of endometrial cells retrogradely shed with neonatal uterine bleeding. The post‐menarcheal variant, manifesting itself during full adolescence, is singularly frequent in the presence of vaginal or uterine outflow obstructive anomalies. The typical and most frequent adult phenotype is characterized by increasing fibrosis and a tendency to progress; its mere presence exerts a detrimental effect on the surrounding healthy ovarian tissue. In postmenopause, an old lesion may be reactivated in the presence of exogenous or endogenous estrogens, or even be produced ex novo; rarely, it can spread to a variety of organs and structures and even degenerate causing malignancies.

Conclusions

Given the existence of these variants, it is important to agree on management guidelines that take into consideration these different phenotypes.

Traditionally, ovarian endometriomas are considered rightfully as one subtype of endometriosis that is different from other subtypes. Beyond that, it is considered as a monolithic disease entity. In this review, we synthesized published data and argue that this subtype actually has age‐dependent phenotypes, and as such, management should be ideally tailored to achieve the best results.

The Role of Selected Chemokines in the Peritoneal Fluid of Women with Endometriosis—Participation in the Pathogenesis of the Disease

Endometriosis is a disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, primarily into the peritoneal cavity. It is known as a complex, chronic inflammatory disease and it is strongly associated with immune dysregulation. Various soluble mediators of the immune and inflammatory responses, including chemokines, play an important role in these processes. The aim of the study was to understand the role of the chemokines MCP-1, MCP-2, MCP-3, MCP-4, MIP-1 α, MIP-1β, eotaxin 2, eotaxin 3, ENA-78, and fractalkine in the development of endometriosis through their assessment in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. The study group included 58 women with endometriosis who were diagnosed during laparoscopy and then confirmed by histopathology. In 15 women from the reference group, laparoscopic examination demonstrated a normal status of the pelvic organs without any evidence of endometriosis nor inflammation in the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis and of women from the reference group were examined. To determine the concentration of the studied chemokines, enzyme immunoassays for Luminex® platforms were used. In the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis, a statistically significant increase in the concentration of MIP-1β, eotaxin 2, eotaxin 3, ENA-78, and fractalkine and a decrease in the concentration of MCP-1, MCP-2, MCP-3, MCP-4, and MIP-1α were observed compared to the reference group. The concentration of these cytokines depended on the severity of the disease. Changes in the concentration of the studied chemokines in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis suggest their participation in the pathogenesis of the disease. The differences in chemokines concentration observed in different stages of endometriosis may be associated with the presence of inflammation in the peritoneal cavity at each step of disease development.

Estrogen- and Progesterone (P4)-Mediated Epigenetic Modifications of Endometrial Stromal Cells (EnSCs) and/or Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs) in the Etiopathogenesis of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common chronic inflammatory condition in which endometrial tissue appears outside the uterine cavity. Because ectopic endometriosis cells express both estrogen and progesterone (P4) receptors, they grow and undergo cyclic proliferation and breakdown similar to the endometrium. This debilitating gynecological disease affects up to 15% of reproductive aged women. Despite many years of research, the etiopathogenesis of endometrial lesions remains unclear. Retrograde transport of the viable menstrual endometrial cells with retained ability for attachment within the pelvic cavity, proliferation, differentiation and subsequent invasion into the surrounding tissue constitutes the rationale for widely accepted implantation theory. Accordingly, the most abundant cells in the endometrium are endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs). These cells constitute a particular population with clonogenic activity that resembles properties of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). Thus, a significant role of stem cell-based dysfunction in formation of the initial endometrial lesions is suspected. There is increasing evidence that the role of epigenetic mechanisms and processes in endometriosis have been underestimated. The importance of excess estrogen exposure and P4 resistance in epigenetic homeostasis failure in the endometrial/endometriotic tissue are crucial. Epigenetic alterations regarding transcription factors of estrogen and P4 signaling pathways in MSCs are robust in endometriotic tissue. Thus, perspectives for the future may include MSCs and EnSCs as the targets of epigenetic therapies in the prevention and treatment of endometriosis. Here, we reviewed the current known changes in the epigenetic background of EnSCs and MSCs due to estrogen/P4 imbalances in the context of etiopathogenesis of endometriosis. Graphical Abstract.

Malignant transformation of hepatic endometriosis: a case report and literature review

Background

Extrapelvic endometriosis is defined as the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue in structures outside the pelvis. Although extra-pelvic endometriosis is generally considered benign conditions, malignant potential within endometriotic foci occurs even after definitive surgery. Malignant transformation of hepatic endometriosis is extremely rare. Preoperative diagnosis of this cancer is difficult, and no guidelines on the optimal management currently exist. Here, we present a case report of malignant transformation of hepatic endometriosis and a brief literature review to highlight the current knowledge of the prevalence, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of this condition.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old woman with a 2-year duration of progressive right upper quadrant abdominal pain was admitted to the hospital. She underwent hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for benign conditions 4 years prior. Tumor markers demonstrated elevated carbohydrate antigen (CA)-199 112U/mL (normal range: 0–35U/mL) only. Radiological imaging suggested the presence of a 10.7 × 7.7-cm mass in the right lobe of the liver extending to the diaphragm. The intraoperative frozen sections suggested malignant tumor. Right hepatectomy with infiltrating diaphragm resection was performed. The final pathology with immunohistochemistry staining confirmed endometrioid adenocarcinoma in the liver originating from preexisting hepatic endometriosis. After the multidisciplinary team meeting, the consensus was surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. To our knowledge, this is the first case of Chinese woman of a malignant liver tumor originating from endometriosis ever reported by reviewing the current English medical literature.

Conclusion

Though rare, extrapelvic endometriosis-associated cancers should be considered as differentiated diagnosis even after hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This case highlights the importance of collaborative efforts across multiple disciplines for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of malignant transformation of hepatic endometriosis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-021-01366-6.

Metformin, the Rise of a New Medical Therapy for Endometriosis? A Systematic Review of the Literature

Medical treatments for endometriosis aim to control pain symptoms and stop progression of endometriotic lesions. However, their adverse effects and their contraceptive effect in women who desire pregnancy, limit their long terms use. Although there is only one study investigating the effects of metformin on women with endometriosis, metformin seems to have a unique therapeutic potential. It may be a helpful anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative agent in the treatment of endometriosis. As such metformin may be more beneficial thanks to the lack of serious side effects.

Free large sized intra-abdominal endometrioma in a postmenopausal woman: a case report

Background

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease defined by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma out of the uterine cavity. Its prevalence is estimated to be 2–10% in reproductive aged women. Endometriosis occurrence is estimated to be 2.55% in postmenopausal patients due to the decreased levels of estrogen. Endometriosis can present in three different forms: superficial peritoneal implants, ovarian endometriomas, and deep infiltrating endometriosis. Ovarian endometriomas are the most common form of endometriosis. Even though endometriomas have been encountered in various localizations, a free abdominal endometrioma was only reported once in a premenopausal patient. Here, we are reporting the first case of a free large endometrioma in a postmenopausal patient.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old woman presented to the emergency department at our university hospital complaining of constipation and right flank pain. She suffered from uncontrolled primary hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. On presentation, she was afebrile, hypertensive, and tachycardic. An abdominal CT scan revealed a large cystic mass measuring 17 × 26 cm in the anterior-posterior and transverse diameters respectively. The cyst caused bowel obstruction and right sided hydronephrosis. The patient underwent laparotomy and during the surgical exploration a large abdominal cyst adhered to the greater omentum was found. The cyst received plenteous blood supply from the greater omentum. The uterus and both ovaries were completely normal and didn’t have any connection to the cyst. An en-bloc cystectomy was performed successfully. The final histopathology report confirmed an abdominal endometrioma. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery.

Conclusions

Endometriomas might reach large sizes regardless of their location or the patient’s age. The close relation of free abdominal endometriomas with the greater omentum suggests that these were developed from endometriotic omental implants. Endometrioma is rare in postmenopausal women. However, it should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis at any age.

Endometriosis in the postmenopausal female: clinical presentation, imaging features, and management

Postmenopausal endometriosis is an important clinical entity which is likely under-recognized and in which the Radiologist can play a valuable role. In this review, we describe the clinical presentation and management of postmenopausal endometriosis, appraising the literature and providing case examples. Persons with postmenopausal endometriosis may present with symptoms including pelvic pain or dyschezia, but endometriosis may also be an asymptomatic, incidental finding. Women may or may not have a prior history of endometriosis or a history of symptoms consistent with it. Therapies and conditions which increase exogenous or endogenous estrogen, respectively, increase the risk. Endometriosis can be found in different locations throughout the body, and the possibility of malignancy should be assessed, especially in the postmenopausal population, where age increases cancer risk. Treatment may involve surgery or medical interventions. Guidelines describing appropriate imaging surveillance in these patients are lacking. In the postmenopausal population, Radiologists need to consider endometriosis as a diagnosis, recommend appropriate exams such as MRI and US, and suggest endometriosis-associated malignancies when appropriate, based on classic morphologic features.

The prevalence of endometrioma and associated malignant transformation in women over 40 years of age

OBJECTIVE

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic disease, which is regarded as a disease of reproductive-aged women. Endometriosis is most frequently diagnosed during reproductive period. We aimed to determine the frequency of endometrioma in women over 40 years of age who were operated for adnexial mass.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 1100 women over 40 years of age underwent surgery for adnexal mass were included in this cohort study between 2006 and 2016. Women who met the criteria were compared regarding the type of adnexial mass, age groups, menopausal status and malignant transformation.

RESULTS

A total of 299 women (27.2 %) with benign ovarian mass were determined to have endometrioma. Women with endometrioma were younger and nulliparous more frequently comparing women without endometrioma. Although 20 % of the patients in the endometrioma group were postmenopausal, 70 % of the patients in the control group were postmenopausal. Endometrioma-associated ovarian tumors were developed in nearly 11 % of women with endometrioma.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though endometriosis is accepted as a disease of reproductive-aged women, it can occur over 40 years of age. Detailed anamnesis and careful gynecological examination provide key information for differential diagnosis. Accurate information about the risk of malignant transformation should be informed.

Endometriosis in Menopause-Renewed Attention on a Controversial Disease

Endometriosis, an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease characterized by the ectopic presence of endometrial tissue, has been the topic of renewed research and debate in recent years. The paradigm shift from the belief that endometriosis only affects women of reproductive age has drawn attention to endometriosis in both premenarchal and postmenopausal patients. There is still scarce information in literature regarding postmenopausal endometriosis, the mostly studied and reported being the prevalence in postmenopausal women. Yet, other important issues also need to be addressed concerning diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management. We aimed at summarizing the currently available data in literature in order to provide a concise and precise update regarding information available on postmenopausal endometriosis.

Rethinking mechanisms, diagnosis and management of endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which causes pelvic pain and infertility. This disease should be viewed as a public health problem with a major effect on the quality of life of women as well as being a substantial economic burden. In light of the considerable progress with diagnostic imaging (for example, transvaginal ultrasound and MRI), exploratory laparoscopy should no longer be used to diagnose endometriotic lesions. Instead, diagnosis of endometriosis should be based on a structured process involving the combination of patient interviews, clinical examination and imaging. Notably, a diagnosis of endometriosis often leads to immediate surgery. Therefore, rethinking the diagnosis and management of endometriosis is warranted. Instead of assessing endometriosis on the day of the diagnosis, gynaecologists should consider the patient's 'endometriosis life'. Medical treatment is the first-line therapeutic option for patients with pelvic pain and no desire for immediate pregnancy. In women with infertility, careful consideration should be made regarding whether to provide assisted reproductive technologies prior to performing endometriosis surgery. Modern endometriosis management should be individualized with a patient-centred, multi-modal and interdisciplinary integrated approach.

Hormonal Replacement Therapy in Menopausal Women with History of Endometriosis: A Review of Literature

Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is effective in treating the symptoms of menopause. Endometriosis is defined as the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity with a tendency towards invasion and infiltration. Being an estrogen-dependent disease, it tends to regress after menopause. Nevertheless, it affects up to 2.2% of postmenopausal women. Conclusive data are not available in the literature on the appropriateness of HRT in women with endometriosis or a past history of the disease. The hypothesis that exogenous estrogen stimulation could reactivate endometriotic foci has been proposed. The aim of this state-of-the-art review was to revise the current literature about endometriosis in perimenopause and menopause and to investigate the possible role of HRT in this setting of patients. An electronic databases search (MEDLINE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, EMBASE, Sciencedirect, the Cochrane Library at the CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, Scielo) was performed, with the date range of from each database’s inception until May 2019. All of the studies evaluating the impact of different HRT regimens in patients with a history of endometriosis were selected. 45 articles were found: one Cochrane systematic review, one systematic review, five narrative reviews, two clinical trials, two retrospective cohort studies, 34 case reports and case series. Some authors reported an increased risk of malignant transformation of endometriomas after menopause in patients assuming HRT with unopposed estrogen. Low-quality evidence suggests that HRT can be prescribed to symptomatic women with a history of endometriosis, especially in young patients with premature menopause. Continuous or cyclic combined preparations or tibolone are the best choices. HRT improves quality of life in symptomatic post-menopausal women, who should not be denied the replacement therapy only due to their history of endometriosis. Based on low-grade literature evidence, we recommend to prescribe combined HRT schemes; tibolone could be considered.

Hepatic pedicle endometriosis: Case report and review of the literature

The localization of endometriotic disease in the hepatic pedicle has never been reported to date. We report the first case of a 67-year-old postmenopausal patient having presented an endometriotic lesion in the hepatic pedicle. A surgical biopsy was needed to confirm the diagnosis after a first radiologic biopsy that concluded the presence of a mucinous cystic tumor with low-grade dysplasia. Medical treatment with aromatase inhibitors was carried out because of the inextirpable nature of the lesion. The diagnosis and therapeutic management of this rarely occurring lesion of atypical localization in a postmenopausal patient is presented here. A review of the literature on this localization could have led to a damaging surgical treatment due to the different diagnoses suggested. Management of endometriosis relies on a multidisciplinary approach that each practitioner must know how to broach with patients of all ages.

Postmenopausal endometriosis, where are we now?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Postmenopausal endometriosis is a gynecologic disease, affecting 2-5% of postmenopausal woman. Current literature assessing the prevalence, pathogenesis, and treatment of this uncommon condition is limited, stressing the necessity for future research. This review examines the current literature on postmenopausal endometriosis to help inform clinical decision-making and point to novel approaches for treatment and management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although one unifying theory to explain the pathogenesis of endometriotic lesions has not been elucidated, estrogen dependence is central to the pathophysiological process. The total quantity of estrogen production is mediated by multiple enzymes in complex pathways. Recent studies have confirmed the presence of these necessary enzymes in endometriotic lesions thereby suggesting a local source of estrogen and a likely pathogenic contributor. More research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanism of local estrogen biosynthesis; however, the current data provide possible explanations for the presence of postmenopausal endometriosis in an otherwise systemically hypoestrogenic environment.

SUMMARY

All suspected endometriosis lesions should be surgically excised for optimization of treatment and prevention of malignant transformation. If hormone replacement therapy is initiated, combined estrogen and progestin is recommended, even in the setting of previous hysterectomy, given the risk of disease reactivation and malignant transformation of endometriotic lesions. Further research is needed to understand the true prevalence, cause, and progression in this patient demographic. Histologic studies evaluating tissue lesions and peritoneal fluid for estrogen receptors, estrogen metabolizing enzymes, immune cells, and nerve fibers will aide in clinical management and treatment planning.

Endometriotic Mass After Hysterectomy in a 61 Year Old Post-menopausal Woman: A Case Report and Update

Endometriosis is a common, hormone-dependent gynecologic disease. Undiagnosed in large proportion of women, managing therapies depend on the impact of quality of life and includes hormonal treatment and pelvic surgery. Less likely endometriosis can occur in post-menopausal women. Malignant transformation of endometriosis is a rare but well-described process, most of time occurring in the ovary, and justifies the practitioner not to underestimate this pathology. We present a case of a 61 year old woman with a symptomatic endometriotic pelvic mass, status post hysterectomy, with no history of endometriosis diagnosed beforehand.

Endometriosis and the menopause: why the question merits our full attention

As an estrogen-dependent disease, endometriosis was thought to become less active or regress with the onset of the menopause. However, based on some new data, we are discovering that this pathology can emerge or reappear at this period of life. Clinicians must consider it as a possible cause for cases of pelvic pain, and heavy bleeding. Authors have described a possibility of transformation of the intraperitoneal proliferation into a malignant type with ovarian, bowel and even lung metastasis. The risk of transformation into an ovarian cancer is around 2 or 3%. The role of menopausal hormonal therapy will be discussed as in recurrence in the case of residue existence, especially after incomplete surgery. Is it possible to prescribe hormonal therapy to a menopausal women suffering climacteric symptoms as it could trigger a recurrence of endometriosis and even an increased risk of malignant degeneration? This remains unclear. It is an unresolved therapeutic dilemma; the choice between surgery or medical treatment?

Symptomatic endometriosis developing several years after menopause in the absence of increased circulating estrogen concentrations: a systematic review and seven case reports

Background

To review women with symptomatic and clinically progressive endometriosis after menopause in the absence of estrogen intake or excessive systemic endogenous production.

Design

Seven case reports and a systematic review of the literature from 1995 till February 2018.

Results

Only 7 case reports from the authors and 29 cases from the literature described women with either cystic ovarian or deep endometriosis. Severity, symptoms, and localization are highly variable. No case report describes symptomatic superficial typical lesions. In 22 of 36 women (61%), symptoms started more than 10 years after menopause.

Conclusions

Symptomatic and clinically progressive endometriosis after menopause in the absence of increased systemic estrogen concentrations or exogenous estrogen intake starts more than 10 years after menopause in the majority of women. This observation suggests that a genetic and/or epigenetic incident caused estrogen-independent progression, increased sensitivity to estrogens or increased local production of estrogens. This observation is important for understanding the pathophysiology of endometriosis, for the management of postmenopausal endometriosis, and for individualization of medical therapy of endometriosis since estrogen-independent endometriosis growth probably also occurs before menopause.

Deep Dyspareunia and Sexual Quality of Life in Women With Endometriosis

Introduction

Deep dyspareunia occurs in half of women with endometriosis, a condition present in 10% of reproductive-age women and associated with negative effects on sexual quality of life (SQoL). However, women with endometriosis can have other clinical factors (eg, superficial dyspareunia, other pelvic pains, and psychological or pain conditions) possibly affecting SQoL.

Aims

To determine whether deep dyspareunia is associated with SQoL in women with endometriosis, independent of potential confounders.

Methods

This study involved a prospective patient registry of women at a tertiary-level referral center for endometriosis and pelvic pain. Inclusion criteria were (i) referrals to the center recruited into the registry from January 2014 through December 2016 and (ii) subsequent surgery at the center with histologic confirmation of endometriosis. Exclusion criteria included menopausal status, age at least 50 years, never sexually active, or did not answer dyspareunia or SQoL questions. Bi-variable tests and multiple linear regression analysis were performed.

Main Outcome Measures

SQoL measured by the 5-item sexual intercourse subscale of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30) modular questionnaire (0–100%, with higher scores indicating worse SQoL).

Results

Consent rate for the prospective registry was 87%; 277 women met the study criteria (mean age = 34.2 ± 7.1 years). Most women had stage I to II endometriosis at time of surgery (64%), with the remaining having stage III to IV endometriosis. Through regression analysis, worse SQoL (higher EHP-30 sexual intercourse subscale score) was independently associated with: more severe deep dyspareunia (P < .0001), more severe superficial dyspareunia (P < .0001), increased depression (P < .001), higher pain catastrophizing (P = .04), bladder pain syndrome (P = .02), heterosexual orientation (P < .001), and new referral status (P = .02).

Conclusion

In women with endometriosis at a tertiary referral center, more severe deep dyspareunia was associated with worse SQoL, independent of superficial dyspareunia, psychological comorbidities, and other potential confounders.

Shum LK, Bedaiwy MA, Allaire C, et al. Deep Dyspareunia and Sexual Quality of Life in Women With Endometriosis. Sex Med 2018;6:224–233.

Endometriosis resembling endometrial cancer in a postmenopausal patient

Endometriosis occurs in 2-4% of postmenopausal women. There have been a few reports of endometriosis in women in whom neither history nor diagnostic imaging indicated the presence of this disease, either at reproductive age or after menopause. A case is described of an 84-year-old patient with extensive deep pelvic endometriosis imitating advanced neoplastic process.