Endometriosis and clues to the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer

The pathogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer is poorly understood, in part due to a lack of readily identifiable precursor(s). A subset of cancers are believed to arise from endometriosis, and there is mounting evidence that these tissues may provide clues to cancer pathogenesis. Aside from hyperplasia, there are no histologic features predictive of malignant potential in endometriosis. A number of molecular biologic studies have identified possible markers of malignization in endometriosis.