Endometriosis: A Cancer-Like Phenomenon

Endometriosis is an enigmatic disease affecting approximately 10% of the population. This unique disease is often chronic and characterized by inflammation. Even though endometriosis and its related disease, adenomyosis, are benign tumors, both share several natural characteristics similar to malignant tumors, such as decreased apoptosis, higher proliferative activity, invasiveness, neuroangiogenesis, and the ability to spread to surrounding organs as well as distant sites. The pathophysiology of deep endometriosis cannot be explained solely by the classic Sampson theory of retrograde menstruation because it involves more complex mechanisms. Both endometriosis cells and cancer cells differ from normal cells, both possessing similarities and differences in cellular and genetic characteristics, growth patterns, and the ability to evade apoptosis, as well as their relationship with the immune system. By studying these characteristics profoundly, numerous clinical implications can be derived, and further research can be conducted into the approach and management of these diseases.