Endometriosis
Clinical story
33 years old female with periodic pain in the area of a scar from a cesarean section. A tumor was found in the abdominal wall, close to the scar The tissue was removed and a section taken for histological examination.
Comments
You see fat, connective tissue and islands of endometrial tissue, many with dilated glands filled with blood. The glands partly show columnar, partly flattened, cuboidal epithelium. Endometrial stroma with small vessels and hemorrhages are found around the glands. Some smaller stromal areas with no glands are also seen, but all in all, the distribution of gland and stroma is balanced.
Learning goals
To recognize displaced endometrium, outside the uterus, and according to location, know the different theories about its origin. You should be able to discuss the most important complications and differential diagnoses.