On April 6, 2017, Oncotarget published an article which I’ll be briefly discussing here today.

Researchers took mice and implanted Endometriosis cells inside of of their pelvic regions wanting to see if the Endometriosis cells would migrate to extra-pelvic organs.   They later analyzed the organs for microscopic Endometriosis-derived cells throughout the mice and found that it had migrated to the lungs, spleen, livers, and brains in many of the mice.

The authors suggest, “…that endometriosis in locations distant from the pelvis may be more common than previously recognized. Endometriosis should be considered a systemic disease that is often subclinical.”  They suggest that these Endometriosis-derived cells residing in other organs may influence symptoms of Endometriosis, such as fatigue, eating disorders, sociopsychological issues and other symptoms which lessen our quality of life.  It also discusses thoracic Endometriosis and Endometriosis on the liver, and those side effects.  Further research, of course, is always needed.

The entire published study is free for us to read and is very, very interesting.  And please feel free to correct me if you feel I’ve misread the science-y bits. ❤ [Note Added 2/3/21: it appears the article is “undergoing investigation,” whatever that means. I’ll try to keep posted.]

(Updated February 3, 2021)

Resources:

Oncotarget – (Article; April 2017) Micrometastasis of Endometriosis to Distant Organs in a Murine Model

~ Again, I am a layman.  I do not hold any college degrees, nor mastery of knowledge.  Please take what I say with a grain of salt.  If curious, do your own research Validate my writings.  Or challenge them.  And ALWAYS feel free to consult with your physician. Always.  Yours ~ Lisa