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Ectopic occurrence of endometrial tissue, frequently forming cysts containing altered blood. SYN: endometrial implants. [endometrium + -osis, condition]
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en·do·me·tri·osis .en-dō-.mē-trē-'ō-səs n, pl -oses -.sēz the presence and growth of functioning endometrial tissue in places other than the uterus that often results in severe pain and infertility see ADENOMYOSIS
en·do·me·tri·ot·ic -trē-'ät-ik adj
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n.
the presence of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (see endometrium) at other sites in the pelvis or, rarely, throughout the body (e.g. in the lung, rectum, or umbilicus). It is thought to be caused by retrograde menstruation. When the tissue has infiltrated the wall of the uterus (myometrium) the condition is known as adenomyosis. The tissue may also be found in the ovary, Fallopian tubes, pelvic ligaments, on the pelvic peritoneum, and even in the cervix and the vagina. This tissue undergoes the periodic changes similar to those of the endometrium and causes pelvic pain and severe dysmenorrhoea. The pain is usually worse immediately before, and at the beginning of, menstruation but usually ceases after menstruation. The symptoms resolve in pregnancy and after the menopause. Treatment is normally to down-regulate ovarian function with analogues of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, such as goserelin (see LHRH analogue). Surgical treatment may also be necessary, usually by laser or ablative therapy via laparoscope. More radical surgical treatment in the form of a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is sometimes required.
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en·do·me·tri·o·sis (en″do-me″tre-oґsis) [endometrium + -osis] a condition in which tissue containing typical endometrial granular and stromal elements occurs in locations outside the uterine cavity, chiefly on the ovaries and pelvic peritoneum; called also adenomyosis externa and e. externa. endometriotic adjMedical dictionary. 2011.