Typical and subtle atypical presentations of endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To review the concept of typical, subtle and invisible endometriosis and analyze the evolution and progression of the disease, as well as some factors possibly involved in the pathogenesis.


RESULTS
Although rejected by Redwine, the concept of non-visible endometriosis has been proven to exist. Some new ideas on the implication of reactive oxygen species in the development of endometriosis and its early stages are described here.


CONCLUSIONS
The increased diagnosis of endometriosis can be explained not only by the increased experience and ability of the surgeon to detect typical and non-typical endometriotic lesions, but also by a better understanding of the pathogenesis.
Donnez
Jacques
J
Department of Gynecology, Catholic University of Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium. Donnez@gyne.ucl.ac.be
Van Langendonckt
Anne
A
D004715:Endometriosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000032:analysis; D019190:Iron Overload / Q000473:pathology; D008598:Menstruation / Q000502:physiology; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000737:chemistry
D007501:Iron