Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Endometriosis laboratory findings
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Laboratory findings associated with endometriosis include features of iron deficiency anemia and increased levels of cancer antigen-125 and interleukin 1. However, no diagnostic blood or molecular markers for endometriosis have been validated in clinical populations.[1]
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory Findings
Currently, there are no validated blood-based diagnostic tests for endometriosis.[1]
Laboratory testing is not sufficient to establish the diagnosis and is primarily used to evaluate associated conditions or alternative diagnoses.
Laboratory findings associated with endometriosis include:
- Features of iron deficiency anemia may be present such as:
- Elevated levels of serum cancer antigen-125 may be present in patients with endometriosis[2]
- Elevated levels of serum cancer antigen-125 may be used to differentiate between endometriosis and other adnexal masses[3]
- Increased levels of interleukin 1, chemoattractant protein-1, and interferon gamma may be present in patients with endometriosis. These are useful markers to monitor disease activity and progression.[4]
- Research is ongoing to identify novel blood biomarkers for endometriosis detection and management; however, these biomarkers have not yet been validated for routine clinical use.[1]
References
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Gibbons T, Rahmioglu N, Zondervan KT, Becker CM. Crimson clues: advancing endometriosis detection and management with novel blood biomarkers. Fertil Steril. 2024;121(2):145-163. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.12.018
- ↑ Caroline C, Bashir T (2002). “Exceptionally high levels of CA125 due to endometriosis”. J Obstet Gynaecol. 22 (3): 329–30. doi:10.1080/01443610252971320. PMID 12521524.
- ↑ Mol BW, Bayram N, Lijmer JG, Wiegerinck MA, Bongers MY, van der Veen F; et al. (1998). “The performance of CA-125 measurement in the detection of endometriosis: a meta-analysis”. Fertil Steril. 70 (6): 1101–8. PMID 9848302.
- ↑ Ahn SH, Singh V, Tayade C (2017). “Biomarkers in endometriosis: challenges and opportunities”. Fertil Steril. 107 (3): 523–532. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.01.009. PMID 28189296.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aravind Kuchkuntla, M.B.B.S[2], Joseph Nasr, M.D.[3], Mohammed Abdelwahed M.D[4]