Cancers, infections, and endocrine diseases in women with endometriosis

Objective

To assess the prevalence of patient-reported, physician-diagnosed comorbid conditions in women with endometriosis.

Design

Cross-sectional study of self-reported survey data.

Setting

Academic research.

Patient(s)

Four thousand three hundred thirty-one Endometriosis Association (EA) members reporting surgically diagnosed endometriosis.

Intervention(s)

None.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Self-reported, physician-diagnosed infectious diseases, cancers, and endocrine diseases.

Result(s)

Nearly two-thirds of women reported one or more of the assessed conditions. Recurrent upper respiratory infections and recurrent vaginal infections were common and more likely in women responding to the EA survey. Melanoma was reported by 0.7% (n=29), breast cancer by 0.4% (n=16), and ovarian cancer by 0.2% (n=10). While ovarian cancer and melanoma were significantly more common than in the general population, breast cancer was surprisingly less common. Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome were rare (0.2% and 0.1%, respectively).

Conclusion(s)

Respondents reported a higher prevalence of recurrent upper respiratory or vaginal infections, melanoma, and ovarian cancer than the general population. These findings document other potential associations related to the immune system, which may help focus future research into this disease.

Key Words: Cancer, infectious disease, endocrine disease, endometriosis