| endometriosis | <gynaecology> A condition in which tissue more or less perfectly resembling the uterine mucous membrane (the endometrium) and containing typical endometrial granular and stromal elements occurs aberrantly in various locations in the pelvic cavity. Synonym: adenomyosis externa, endometriosis externa. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| endometriosis interna | <gynaecology> A condition where there is abnormal thickening of the endometrial lining of the uterus, extending into the fibrous and muscular layers. This condition occurs most commonly in women above 30 who have had children. Symptoms include prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding and painful menses with cramping. Treatment generally includes pain medications and a hysterectomy in select (more severe) cases. Birth control pills may aggravate symptoms. (07 Apr 1998) |
| celomic metaplasia theory of endometriosis | That endometrial tissue arises directly from the peritoneal mesothelium. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| haematogenous theory of endometriosis | That endometrial tissue is carried, like metastases of a malignant tumour, through the blood stream. (05 Mar 2000) |
| implantation theory of the production of endometriosis | That, at the time of menstruation, cells of the uterine mucosa pass through the fallopian tubes and escape into the pelvic cavity where they implant themselves on the peritoneum. (05 Mar 2000) |
| lymphatic dissemination theory of endometriosis | That endometrial tissue is transmitted by the lymphatic channels. (05 Mar 2000) |