The International Journal of Medical Discoveries (IJMD) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to advancing the understanding, innovation, and application of medical science. Our mission is to serve as a platform for the dissemination of cutting-edge research and discoveries that shape the future of healthcare and important medical discoveries worldwide.
Article Views: 538
Background: Endometriosis is a common gynecologic condition that may increase the risk of certain ovarian cancers, particularly clear-cell and endometrioid subtypes.
Objective: To review subtype-specific risks, molecular mechanisms, and clinical risk stratification of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer.
Method: An integrative literature review was conducted, covering studies published between 2003 and 2025. Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Keywords included “endometriosis,” “ovarian cancer,” “endometrioma,” “malignant transformation,” “risk stratification,” and “molecular pathways.” Both epidemiologic and molecular studies reporting on endometriosis and epithelial ovarian cancer were included.
Results: Ovarian endometriomas showed the highest potential for malignant transformation. Chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, oxidative stress, and mutations in ARID1A, PIK3CA, and PTEN contribute to oncogenic progression. Clinical and imaging features, including cyst size, growth rate, and solid components, help identify high-risk patients.
Conclusion: Risk-stratified monitoring and early intervention can improve detection and outcomes, and future research should integrate molecular and clinical data for personalized management of endometriosis.
Endometriosis, Risk Factor, Epithelial Ovarian Cancer, Endometrioma, Clear cell carcinoma.