title: Clear and Opaque Vesicles: Endometriosis, Psammoma Bodies, Endosalpingiosis or Cancer?
abstract: Three case reports are used to demonstrate the similarities between the appearances of endometriosis, psammoma bodies, endosalpingiosis and cancer. Although clear "amenorrheic" lesions of endometriosis have been noted since 1950 by Fallon, these have been confused in clinical practice with a similar appearance of psammoma bodies, endosalpingiosis and ovarian cancer. The difference between these must be made on the basis of histology and appearance. Furthermore, the presence of psammoma bodies in an infertility population is more compatible with post-inflammatory changes from chlamydia than with cancer. The diagnosis of cancer is based on epithelium and not the appearance of calcification.
authors.affiliation: 1717 Kirby Parkway, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38120-4331.
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Khare
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Parker