Cited by 122Endometriosis Research and TreatmentGynecological conditions and treatmentsDiagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis

The Role of the Lymphatic System in Endometriosis: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature1

Jerman, Laila F., Hey-Cunningham, Alison J.·2015·Biology of Reproduction

Abstract

Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of tissue resembling the endometrium in locations outside the uterus. The pathogenesis of endometriosis is still unknown; however, it is believed that the lymphatic system plays major roles in the development and progression of the disease. The lymphatic dissemination theory has been proposed to explain the presence of endometrial and/or endometriotic tissue in lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and rare sites, as well as high reoccurrence rates following treatment. Despite the importance of the lymphatic system in many aspects of endometriosis, there has been no previous thorough scientific update on its role in the disease. A review of scientific literature on the lymphatic system, lymphangiogenesis, and immunological changes associated with endometriosis was conducted. Lymphangiogenic potential is disturbed and lymphatic vessel density increased in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis, likely promoting the entry of endometrial tissues into the lymphatic circulation. Endometriotic lesions and endometrial-like cells are present in uterine-draining nodes and various other pelvic lymph nodes. Immune responses are impaired in uterine-draining nodes, likely favoring the survival of endometrial cells and lesion establishment. In addition, lymphangiogenesis in endometriotic lesions may contribute to lesion growth and persistence, and promote the spread of endometrial cells to draining lymph nodes. The evidence reviewed in this paper supports the theory of lymphatic dissemination of endometriosis and highlights the roles of the lymphatic system in the pathogenesis and persistence of endometriosis. Understanding these roles is crucial for establishment of novel therapeutic approaches.

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Crossref · 10.1095/biolreprod.114.124313

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  • In most bowel lesions, lymph nodes are invaded.

    “In most bowel lesions lymph nodes are invaded (17,18).”

    From Pathogenesis of deep endometriosis (2017) · cites this paper as [18]

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Authors
Jerman, L. F., & Hey-Cunningham, A. J.
Affiliations
The University of Sydney (AU)
Corresponding author
Jerman, Laila F.
Venue
Biology of Reproduction
Published
2015-03-01
Volume
92
Issue
3
Pages
64-64
ISSN
  • 0006-3363 (ISSN-L)
  • 1529-7268
OpenAlex
W2152401059
Cited by
122
References
153
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 2
FWCI
0.91
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Biology of Reproduction (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • BioOne Complete (BioOne) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Endometriosis Research and Treatment
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Obstetrics and Gynecology › Gynecological conditions and treatments
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis
Keywords
endometriosis, lymphatic system, lymphangiogenesis, lymphatic vessel density, pelvic lymph nodes, endometriotic lesions, immune response, endometriosis pathogenesis, endometriosis recurrence, eutopic endometrium
MeSH terms
Animals, Disease Models, Animal, Endometriosis, Endometrium, Female, Humans, Lymphatic System, Pelvis, Uterus, Disease Progression

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