What tests can detect endometriosis?

Endometriosis can be diagnosed through a variety of methods, including imaging examinations, laboratory tests and surgical exploration, among which laparoscopy is the most accurate diagnosis method. Ultrasound examination, magnetic resonance imaging and tumor marker detection in the blood can also play an auxiliary role in diagnosis.

1. Imaging examination

Ultrasound examination is a means of routine screening for women. It can detect some typical manifestations of endometriosis, such as chocolate cysts in the ovaries. However, early or small endometriosis lesions are difficult to fully visualize. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more accurate than ultrasound, especially in understanding the range of lesions, the depth of infiltration, and the involvement of adjacent organs. If the symptoms are obvious but the imaging examination shows no abnormalities, further examination is still necessary.

2. Blood test

Testing for tumor markers such as CA125 in the blood is an auxiliary test for endometriosis. Elevated CA125 levels are common in gynecological problems, especially more severe endometriosis. However, blood tests do not have high specificity and sensitivity, so they cannot be used alone to confirm the diagnosis.

3. Laparoscopy and biopsy

Laparoscopy is the "gold standard" diagnostic method for endometriosis. Doctors can use laparoscopy to directly observe whether there are ectopic lesions in the pelvic cavity, and clearly stage them according to the location, size and range of the lesions. The lesions can be removed during surgery and sent for pathological biopsy analysis, which is the key to a confirmed diagnosis.

4. Other related inspections

Some patients may need colonoscopy, cystoscopy and other examinations to check whether deep infiltrating endometriosis has affected other organs. If the lesions are suspected to accumulate in the bladder, rectum and other tissues, such examinations can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the lesions.

The appropriate method for the examination of endometriosis should be selected according to the severity of symptoms and the characteristics of the disease. Women with long-term dysmenorrhea, infertility or pelvic pain that cannot be relieved must seek medical attention as soon as possible, receive standardized examinations and treatment to prevent further development of the disease.