Sites of endometriosis

In approximate decreasing order of frequency, these include: The most common sites are:

• ovaries }
• pouch of Douglas }
• uterosacral ligaments }

Other possible sites include:

• broad ligaments
• fallopian tubes
• round ligaments
• cervix, vagina
• rectovaginal septum
• gastro-intestinal tract - rectosigmoid junction, caecum, ileum, appendix (1)
• abdominal scars
• inguinal region, pelvic nodes
• bladder, kidneys, ureters
• lung, pleura, heart
• thigh, axilla, bone

Endometriosis within the wall of the uterus is termed adenomyosis.

Reference:

• (1) Gustofson RL et al. Endometriosis and the appendix: a case series and comprehensive review of the literature. Fertil Steril. 2006;86(2):298-303