Agonising womb condition that affects two million could ‘trigger cancer’
WOMEN suffering the agonising condition endometriosis could be at greater risk of cancer, experts have warned.
Scientists have discovered cancer-causing gene mutations in some patients diagnosed with the agonising womb condition.
The condition, which affects around two million in the UK, is not typically linked to cancer.
One in 10 women of childbearing age will suffer the condition, which can cause pelvic pain and infertility, though is often mistaken for bad period pains.
Recent stats revealed 40 per cent of women with endometriosis visited their doctor ten times before they were referred to a specialist.
The new study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, saw researchers analyse tissue from the lining of the womb of 27 women.
They found most had one or multiple genetic mutations.
Twenty-four were found to have genetic mutations that could increase the risk of cancer.
These mutations can occur in any of the cells of the body except sperm and egg cells and can, but do not always trigger the disease.
Study co-author, Michael Anglesio, told : "Finding these mutations in non-cancer conditions is largely uncharted territory.
"It’s not just inflammation around endometrial tissue in the wrong place, it’s that there are genetic changes hardwired into the biology of the disorder."
WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition which occurs when tissue which behaves like the lining of the womb is found outside of the womb – in areas of the body including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the abdomen and the bladder.
The exact cause of the condition isn’t known, but it’s thought it could be hereditary or due to environmental factors – namely the presence of dioxins in the environment.
Endometriosis can sometimes cause damage to the fallopian tubes or ovaries, leading to fertility problems.
Other complications can include painful ovarian cysts and adhesions – areas of tissue which can fuse organs together.
Symptoms:
- painful or heavy periods
- pain during and following sex
- bleeding between periods
- pain in the lower abdomen
- difficulty conceiving
- fatigue
- discomfort going to the toilet
How can it affect fertility?
In some cases, endometriosis can leave a woman infertile.
If the abnormal tissue is left untreated it can cause damage and scarring to the womb and other parts of the female reproductive system.
If the damage is severe enough, it may mean a woman will be unable to conceive.
Treatment:
There is no cure for endometriosis, but the symptoms can be managed.
Some women are prescribed pain medications that target inflammation.
Others are given hormonal treatments to limit the production of oestrogen, which encourages the abnormal tissue to grow.
However, some women opt to have a hysterectomy to completely rid them of the pain.
According to NHS guidelines, a hysterectomy – an operation to remove the womb – is rare, and usually only performed on women for whom other treatments haven’t work, and who have decided to not have any more children.
The condition causes tissue that behaves like the lining of the womb to form outside the uterus.
It can appear in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, abdomen, bowel and bladder.
The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t known, but experts believe it could be hereditary or caused by a problem with the immune system.
Meanwhile, others believe it could be caused by a process called retrograde menstruation, which is when the womb lining flows backwards through the fallopian tubes into the abdomen, instead of leaving the body as a period.
Endometriosis can sometimes cause damage to the fallopian tubes or ovaries, leading to fertility problems.
THE ALL-PARTY PARLIAMENTARY GROUP ON WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORT
According to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Women’s Health many women are often dismissed by GPs as imagining their symptoms.
It found about 40 per cent of those with endometriosis visit their doctor ten times before they are referred to a specialist.
The report noted for 10 per cent of women it takes 15 years of seeking help to become diagnosed.
The group interviewed 2,600 women who had suffered with the chronic condition and produced a 51-page report.
Paula Sherriff, the MP for Dewsbury, who chaired the all-party group, said: “The fact that almost 50 per cent of women did not feel that they were treated with dignity and respect is appalling.”
Other complications can include painful ovarian cysts and adhesions – areas of tissue which can fuse organs together.
Symptoms of the condition include painful or heavy periods, pain during and following sex, bleeding between periods, pain in the lower abdomen and difficulty conceiving.
There is no cure for the condition but several steps, including pain killers, can be taken to manage the symptoms.
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