Endometrioma

Endometriosis is a common, estrogen-dependent, inflammatory, gynecologic disease process in which normal endometrial tissue is abnormally present outside the uterine cavity. Endometriomas are cystic lesions that stem from endometriosis. Endometriomas are most commonly found in the ovaries. Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women and is a common cause of chronic pain, dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. Most commonly, endometriosis is found within the pelvis, specifically on the ovaries.  Endometriomas are the most common manifestation of endometriosis on the ovary. However, implants can also be found throughout the abdomen, such as on the bowel, within prior surgical incisions, and even in rare cases in distant locations of the body, such as the cerebellum. Approximately 17 to 44% of women diagnosed with endometriosis will experience an endometrioma. These lesions are commonly referred to as chocolate cysts due to the thick dark brown appearance of the fluid contained within them. Endometriomas indicate a more severe disease state in patients with endometriosis and can lead to specific issues, such as decreased ovarian reserve.