Does Endometriosis Cause Cancer? What Research Actually Shows
Explore the link between endometriosis and cancer risk. Get reliable insights based on recent research for informed health decisions.
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Explores links between endometriosis and cancer risk, what current research does and doesn’t show, and symptoms that warrant evaluation. Helps you interpret screening guidance and discuss personal risk factors with your clinician.
Overview
Endometriosis and adenomyosis are benign conditions, but certain patterns have been associated with a small increase in risk for specific gynecologic cancers. Research is most consistent for a modestly higher relative risk of some ovarian cancer subtypes (especially clear cell and endometrioid) in people with a history of endometriosis, while the absolute risk for any individual remains low. For adenomyosis, evidence is still evolving; most people will never develop cancer, but persistent or changing symptoms deserve appropriate evaluation.
Practical decision-making matters most: how to interpret “increased risk” language, what symptoms should prompt timely assessment, and how individual factors (age, family history, genetic risk, prior surgeries, and imaging findings) shape next steps. Topics include warning signs that warrant urgent review, how clinicians approach evaluation of new pelvic pain, bleeding changes, or adnexal masses, and how to discuss screening limitations and personalized surveillance. For diagnostic workups and imaging terminology, see Diagnostics & Imaging and Imaging & Diagnosis (MRI, Ultrasound)
Does endometriosis mean I will get cancer?
No. Endometriosis is not cancer, and most people with endometriosis never develop any malignancy. Some studies show a small increase in risk for certain ovarian cancer subtypes, but the overall (absolute) risk remains low for an individual.
Which cancers are most linked to endometriosis, and how strong is the evidence?
The best-supported association is with specific ovarian cancer subtypes such as clear cell and endometrioid ovarian cancer. Even there, the risk increase is relative (compared with people without endometriosis) and does not mean cancer is expected or common.
What symptoms should prompt evaluation for possible cancer rather than “just endo”?
Seek prompt care for persistent bloating or early satiety, unexplained weight loss, a new or enlarging pelvic mass, or rapidly worsening pain that doesn’t follow a typical cycle. Postmenopausal bleeding, bleeding between periods, or new symptoms after menopause also warrant timely assessment.
Does removing endometriomas or having excision surgery lower cancer risk?
Surgery may remove tissue where atypical changes could rarely occur, but there isn’t strong evidence that routine surgery is performed primarily to prevent cancer. Decisions are usually based on symptoms, fertility goals, and concerning imaging features; see Endometriomas and Surgery.
Should I get special cancer screening if I have endometriosis or adenomyosis?
There is no universally recommended extra screening program solely due to endometriosis or adenomyosis, and tests like CA-125 are not reliable screening tools for the general population. A personalized plan is most helpful when there’s a strong family history, known genetic risk, or concerning symptoms, often guided by targeted imaging and specialist input.
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