TITLE:
Endometriosis beyond the Pelvis: A Case Series of Cutaneous Endometriosis and Literature Review
AUTHORS:
Tompeen Isidore, Nkoro Ombédé G. Anita, Mendouga Menye Coralie, Belinga Etienne, Noa Ndoua Cyrille, Foumane Pascal
KEYWORDS:
Endometriosis, Cutaneous Endometriosis, Umbilical Endometriosis, Cyclic Umbilical Swelling, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.14 No.1,
January
19,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Cutaneous endometriosis is an uncommon but well-known skin disorder that
represents about 0.5% to 1% of all endometriosis. The objective of this case
series is to report clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of various
forms of cutaneous endometriosis. Material and Methods: It was an
observational, retrospective and descriptive review of cases presenting with
cutaneous endometriosis among Cameroonian women managed at the gynaecological
outpatient department of Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital. All
the following parameters were analysed: age, parity, previous pelvic surgery,
presenting symptoms and duration, associated symptoms, localizations, imaging,
size of the lesion, other localization of endometriosis, management and
histopathological results. Results: we reported 4 cases of cutaneous
endometriosis, with 3 umbilical endometriosis and 1 abdominal scar endometriosis.
Patient age ranged from 28 to 39 years with an average of 33 years. All
patients described infertility (two primary and two secondary) and two had a
history of abdominal surgery. All patients presented local cyclical signs such
as pain, swelling, color change and bleeding. The duration of symptoms varied
from 2 to 3 years and the size of lesions ranged from 2 to 3.5 cm for umbilical lesions and
was 9 cm for
abdominal scar endometriosis. In all cases, no imaging was required for the
diagnosis, which was suspected on the basis of patient’s history and the
cyclical nature of local signs, followed by wide surgical excision and confirmation
on histopathology. Conclusion: Cutaneaous endometriosis is a rare benign
condition. Umbilical endometriosis seems to be the main cutaneous localization
and can be described as primary or secondary. Even if its diagnosis must be
confirmed by histopathology, it should be considered in patient with cutaneous
cyclic signs such as pain, swelling or bleeding with or without history of
abdominal surgery.