Cancer

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)