Facts about Endosalpingiosis

Endosalpingiosis was first described by Sampson in 1930. However, until recently more and more studies show the convincing evidence that it most probably originates from tubal cells. It has a close relationship with the development of serous tumors, especially low-grade serous carcinoma. The lesion does cause symptoms and signs, such as chronic abdominal pain or tumor-like mass, though it is often found accidently for other gynecologic problems. Occasionally atypical endosalpingiosis needs to be differentiated from a malignancy when it appears in an unusual site with worrying morphologic presentations or under some special circumstances. Owing to the facts that it may evolve quietly and continuously towards serous tumors, and that the lesions at different sites may evolve independently, the outcomes of its evolution can eventually kill the patient. Therefore, a proper recognition of the lesion will translate it into an adequate care for those patients. This review summarizes the most recent findings and makes thoughtful comments.