Cancers, infections, and endocrine diseases in women with endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of patient-reported, physician-diagnosed comorbid conditions in women with endometriosis.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study of self-reported survey data.


METHODS
Academic research.


METHODS
Four thousand three hundred thirty-one Endometriosis Association (EA) members reporting surgically diagnosed endometriosis.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Self-reported, physician-diagnosed infectious diseases, cancers, and endocrine diseases.


RESULTS
Nearly two-thirds of women reported one or more of the assessed conditions. Recurrent upper respiratory infections and recurrent vaginal infections were common and more likely in women responding to the EA survey. Melanoma was reported by 0.7% (n=29), breast cancer by 0.4% (n=16), and ovarian cancer by 0.2% (n=10). While ovarian cancer and melanoma were significantly more common than in the general population, breast cancer was surprisingly less common. Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome were rare (0.2% and 0.1%, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Respondents reported a higher prevalence of recurrent upper respiratory or vaginal infections, melanoma, and ovarian cancer than the general population. These findings document other potential associations related to the immune system, which may help focus future research into this disease.
Gemmill
Julie Anne L
JA
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Stratton
Pamela
P
Cleary
Sean D
SD
Ballweg
Mary Lou
ML
Sinaii
Ninet
N
D000224:Addison Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015897:Comorbidity; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003480:Cushing Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008945:Mitral Valve Prolapse / Q000453:epidemiology; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012008:Recurrence; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult