Does Chocolate Cyst Cause Cancer?

The "endometrioma" disease, which is mostly seen in women of reproductive age, usually does not show symptoms and is generally known as "chocolate cyst" in the society, may be related to some cancers. Emphasizing that it is vital that all women do not hinder their routine examinations and tests, Anadolu Medical Center Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Murat Dede said, “When the chocolate cyst is not handled and treated properly, it can significantly endanger the patient's quality of life and health. For this reason, it is important that patients are informed about the possible risks that may arise from this situation, especially infertility, during the diagnosis and treatment processes.

With the shortest definition of endometriosis; A common gynecological disease related to female hormones, manifested by the presence of the structures that make up the innermost layer of the uterus outside the uterus (in areas such as the abdominal cavity or ovaries). Anadolu Medical Center Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Murat Dede said, “This situation, which is caused by the effect of the tissues in the inner layer of the uterus coming out of the uterus and on the ovaries, is an important cause of concern for women. "Endometriosis, which seriously affects the quality of life of women and their families, is also one of the important causes of infertility."

Chocolate cyst is often asymptomatic

Noting that although the chocolate cyst causes complaints such as painful menstruation, painful sexual intercourse, painful defecation and difficulty in having a child, it can often not cause symptoms. Dr. "The two most important known risk factors for endometriosis are menstrual bleeding that started before the age of 2 and heavy, long periods," said Murat Dede.

Chocolate cyst affects the patient's quality of life

Underlining the importance of focusing on early diagnosis in the treatment of the problem in order to prevent the progression of the disease and to improve the quality of life of the patient, Prof. Dr. Murat Dede said, “Although the diagnosis is made with methods such as biopsy and laparoscopy, different forms of the disease can be detected by ultrasonography and MRI for definitive diagnosis. In the treatment plan, there are methods such as painkillers, birth control pills, hormones, medicated intrauterine devices, needles that put temporary menopause. Surgical treatments are applied together with all these or sometimes after these treatments. If surgical treatment is not successful and the complaints persist, it is recommended to remove the uterus, ovaries and tubes as a last option. It should not be forgotten that; "Endometriosis causes a difficult life with pain and infertility that can significantly endanger the quality of life and health of the patient if not treated properly."

There is a concern that it will turn into cancer

In the last few years, there has been growing concern among women with endometriosis about the risk of developing cancer, especially ovarian cancer. Dr. Murat Dede said, “However, although we do not have strong medical evidence for now that these clusters formed by intrauterine tissue have turned into cancer, some of the studies conducted give clues that this disease may have a relationship with cancer. It should be underlined that; The relationship between endometriosis and cancer is complex. To sum up, more methodologically sound research is needed, ”he said.

Regular examinations should not be neglected

Stating that endometriosis actually has a benign nature, Prof. Dr. Murat Dede said, “However, it resembles a tumor with features such as the area of ​​influence extending to distant organs, abnormal tissue growth, affecting the function of target organs and genetic damage. Ovarian cancer is the type of cancer most consistently associated with endometriosis. But most women (just over 98 percent) with endometriosis do not develop ovarian cancer. While the lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is 1,4 percent in women with no genetic predisposition, this rate is reported as 1,8 percent in women with endometriosis. There are many studies on endometriosis and breast cancer, but a clear relationship has not been revealed in the studies. Of course, whether you have endometriosis or not; You should not neglect your regular breast examinations and tests ”warned.