Are there stages of Endometriosis?
Based on the results of your diagnostic tests, your doctor will be able to asses the severity and the stage of your endometriosis.
These stages are determined depending on the number, thickness, location and the extent of complexity and threat to other nearby organs caused by the endometrial tissues.
The commonly accepted endometriosis stages are the following:
Stage 1: Minimal
Stage 2: Mild
Stage 3: Moderate
Stage 4: Severe
Does the extent of pain indicate the severity of my endometriosis?
No, the extent of pain that you feel is not a measure of the severity of the condition and obviously cannot be used to determine what stage of endometriosis you have.
Based on the reports, some patients that have Stage 4 endometriosis exhibit lesser pain and symptoms while patients with Stage 1 or 2 endometriosis experience intolerable pain and evident symptoms and vice versa.
Therefore, the level of pain is not a reliable indication of the stages. Proper diagnosis from your doctor is still the surest way to determine the severity of your endometriosis.
Should I be worried about endometriosis turning into cancer?
By nature, endometriosis is a non-cancerous condition. However, studies have shown that ovarian cancer occur at higher rates in women with endometriosis. Though the risk of developing ovarian cancer in a woman’s lifetime is very low, research suggests that endometriosis increases the risk.
In extremely rare cases, women with endometriosis can develop a type of cancer called endometriosis-associated adenocarcinoma.
Should I be worried about endometriosis turning into cancer?
By nature, endometriosis is a non-cancerous condition. However, studies have shown that ovarian cancer occur at higher rates in women with endometriosis. Though the risk of developing ovarian cancer in a woman’s lifetime is very low, research suggests that endometriosis increases the risk.
In extremely rare cases, women with endometriosis can develop a type of cancer called endometriosis-associated adenocarcinoma.
Is there anything else that might be useful when dealing with endometriosis?
Dealing with a disease can be very hard. In some women, the symptoms and complications brought about by endometriosis can bring a great weight on their emotional health and lead to depression.
It may be beneficial for you to look for support groups in your community and talk to other women experiencing the same condition to help you cope.
Is there a chance for endometriosis to recur after surgery?
Even after surgery, there is still a chance that endometriosis and pain may return. Also, about 30 percent of surgically removed chocolate cysts recur. This recurrence happens when the endometrial tissues and cysts are very large and may leave traces that were not completely removed.
The risk of recurrence may be lowered if you get pregnant after surgery but there is no absolute guarantee.