What Is Diaphragmatic Endometriosis?

Endometriosis appears when endometrial tissue grows somewhere else outside the uterus. This tissue responds to hormonal changes just as it does during menstrual periods, and for this reason the symptoms can usually vary in step with the menstrual cycle.

Diaphragmatic endometriosis is a rare form of endometriosis in which endometrial tissue (the tissue lining the inside of the uterus) grows abnormally on the diaphragm (the thin muscle layer that separates the chest and the abdominal cavity). In this condition, the disease can involve any area of the diaphragm, particularly the right posterior area of the diaphragm.

The cause of diaphragmatic endometriosis is not fully known. However, according to some theories, it is thought that endometrial cells reach the diaphragm through the blood or the lymph, or by moving after surgical intervention.

Diaphragmatic endometriosis can cause symptoms such as chest or shoulder pain, shortness of breath and hiccups. However, these symptoms may also be associated with other health problems, and for this reason making a diagnosis can be difficult. If you have symptoms of this kind, and particularly if these symptoms are related to the menstrual cycle, it is recommended that you consult a health professional.

Diaphragmatic endometriosis is a rarely seen form of endometriosis and is characterised by the growth of endometrium-like tissue on the diaphragm (the muscular structure that separates the chest and the abdominal cavity). This type of endometriosis can usually be difficult to diagnose because of its symptoms.

Some symptoms of diaphragmatic endometriosis are as follows:

Some of these symptoms may resemble the symptoms of other health conditions. For example, pulmonary endometriosis (endometriosis in the lungs) or other pulmonary or cardiothoracic conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of diaphragmatic endometriosis.

If you suspect endometriosis of the lung or the diaphragm, it is advised that you speak to a gynaecologist and/or a thoracic surgeon. In order to make a diagnosis, physical examination, imaging studies (Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography) or laparoscopic/robotic surgery may usually be required.

Although diaphragmatic endometriosis is rare, women who have symptoms should consider this possibility and seek appropriate medical assessment.

The treatment of diaphragmatic endometriosis may vary depending on the severity of the patient’s symptoms, the extent of the endometriosis and the patient’s age, her desire to become pregnant and other individual factors. Below are the common treatment options for diaphragmatic endometriosis:

The treatment of diaphragmatic endometriosis usually requires a multidisciplinary approach and it is ideal for it to be carried out together with gynaecologists, thoracic surgeons and other specialists. Because every patient’s situation is different, it is recommended that a detailed assessment be carried out with a gynaecologist or specialist regarding the treatment options.