Does Endometriosis Hinder Successful Ovarian Debulking Surgery?

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis has a significant effect on many aspects of women’s lives, also increasing the risk of ovarian cancer. Although endometriosis is considered as a benign condition, it sometimes behaves like cancer. METHODS: All medical records of epithelial ovarian cancer patients during January 2011 to December 2016 were reviewed. Recurrent cases were excluded. Data collected included age at diagnosis, parity, marital status, familial history of cancer, menopausal status, weight, height, smoking histroy, contraception, CA 125 level, result of surgery and pathological report. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-two medical records of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) were included. Average age at diagnosis was 52.3 years. Epithelial ovarian cancer coexisting with endometriosis (EAOC) was found in nearly one-fifth of cases. Nullipara and smoking were associated with 2.3 and 8.3 fold higher risk of EAOC development (aOR 2.349, 95%CI 1.012-5.451; aOR 8.26, 95%CI 1.234-55.278; respectively). Age, familial history of cancer and coexistence with endometriosis were factors related to surgical outcome. More of EAOC group had optimal surgery compared to the non-EAOC group (61.3% and 41.8%) with statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Younger age, familial history of cancer and coexistence of endometriosis were factors related to optimal surgery. Success of optimal surgery is greater in EAOC than in non-EAOC patients. Coexistence of endometriosis does not hinder successful ovarian cancer debulking surgery.