How is endometriosis diagnosed?

For women, some gynecological diseases are the most torturous, especially endometriosis. If it is serious, it may even affect the patient's body and cause infertility. In addition, in the face of many endometriosis diseases, patients must make a good diagnosis. So, how should endometriosis be diagnosed?

1. Laboratory examination

(1) CA125 (ovarian cancer-associated antigen) value determination is a tumor-associated antigen with certain diagnostic value for ovarian epithelial cancer. However, in patients with endometriosis, CA125 value may increase, and the positive rate increases with the increase of endometriosis stage. Its sensitivity and specificity are very high, so it is helpful for the diagnosis of endometriosis and can also monitor the efficacy of endometriosis treatment.

(2) Anti-endometrial antibodies (EMAb) Anti-endometrial antibodies are autoantibodies that use the endometrium as a target antigen and induce a series of immunopathological reactions. They are the hallmark antibodies of endometriosis. The detection of serum EMAb is an effective examination method for the diagnosis and efficacy observation of patients with endometriosis.

2. Imaging examination

(1) B-mode ultrasound examination B-mode ultrasound examination is one of the commonly used examination methods in obstetrics and gynecology, and plays an important role in the diagnosis of obstetrics and gynecology diseases. It can determine the location, size, and shape of cysts and find masses that were not palpable during gynecological examinations.

(2) Laparoscopic examination: Using a laparoscope to directly peer into the pelvic cavity, ectopic lesions can be seen or biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. The clinical staging and treatment plan of pelvic endometriosis can be determined based on the results of the laparoscopic examination. During laparoscopy, attention should be paid to observing the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterosacral ligaments, pelvic peritoneum, etc. for endometriosis lesions. Endometriosis is staged and scored based on the findings of laparoscopic examination or surgery.

(3) X-ray examination can be performed alone to assist in the diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis by using pelvic pneumatic angiography and hysterosalpingography.

(4) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) MRI can directly image in multiple planes, intuitively understand the scope, origin and invaded structure of the lesion, accurately locate the lesion, and enhance the ability to display soft tissue. Therefore, MRI is of great value in diagnosing endometriosis and understanding pelvic lesions and adhesions.

This is a summary of how to diagnose endometriosis. There are many causes of endometriosis, and patients must receive treatment based on the cause of their own endometriosis. In addition, endometriosis can be a very serious disease for women, so the treatment is relatively long, and patients must be patient.