What is Endosalpingiosis?
Endosalpingiosis is an uncommon gynecological condition in where there is ectopic presence of epithelium similar to fallopian tubes, which is found outside the fallopian tube. The exact cause of endosalpingiosis is not clear. It is thought that Endosalpingiosis develops from changes in the coelomic tissue. Endosalpingiosis is not commonly related with any pathology and is usually an incidental finding.
What are the Symptoms of Endosalpingiosis?
Some of the common symptoms of endosalpingiosis are infertility, pelvic pain, dyspareunia and menstrual irregularities. Some patients can also suffer from chronic back pain.
What is the Cause of Endosalpingiosis?
The exact cause of endosalpingiosis is not clear. It is thought that Endosalpingiosis develops from changes in the coelomic tissue. In endometriosis, the uterine endometrium is found outside the uterus; and similarly in endosalpingiosis, the estrogen can cause the tissues of fallopian tube to grow outside of the fallopian tubes. This can also potentially worsen the surrounding regions. Increased levels of estrogen can also cause proliferation of glandular tissues along with increase in the activity and number of the ciliated epithelial cells, which normally line the fallopian tubes.
How is Endosalpingiosis Diagnosed?
A biopsy or excision of the ectopic tissue is done, which is then sent to lab for analysis to help with the diagnosis of Endosalpingiosis. There may be cysts present with tubal-like epithelium with fibrous stroma surrounding it. Hemorrhage is not commonly present. In some cases, endosalpingiosis can also be found in lymph nodes and can be misdiagnosed as adenocarcinoma metastasis.
What is the Treatment of Endosalpingiosis?
Endosalpingiosis is not usually considered a pathological condition and therefore does not always require treatment. However, Endosalpingiosis can cause other problems in the patient, such as chocolate cysts, ovarian cysts, infertility, adhesions, pelvic pain etc. for which treatment is needed.
Excision surgery is done in Endosalpingiosis patients who have increased pain; however, this will not cure endosalpingiosis. Removing the cysts, tissues and adhesions greatly helps in decreasing the symptoms. Additional progesterone therapy can also help in relieving the symptoms of Endosalpingiosis. When progesterone is taken continuously, it helps the patient maintain specific time in her menstrual cycle, which prevents the body from producing high estrogen levels, which exacerbate endosalpingiosis.
Endosalpingiosis patients who are very sensitive get affected from dietary estrogen and such patients should try to follow a low estrogen diet and avoid foods like black licorice, soy and tofu.
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