A typical pelvic exam usually can't detect endometriosis unless there is a pelvic mass or lesion in the ovary causing a cyst, which is relatively rare. Laparoscopy also cannot detect all cases of the disease since some women have deep (endometriosis) disease, meaning the surface projection of the transplanted endometrium is tiny or invisible and the majority of the disease is imbedded deep into the tissue; other women have superficial disease, where the extent of the disease is readily seen by laparoscopy. Often, women have a combination of both types of lesions. Pain is usually greater in women with deep disease than superficial disease. A detailed medical history may offer the earliest clues to your health care professional that could lead to the correct diagnosis.

A laparoscope is commonly employed to diagnose endometriosis and may also be used to treat it. Performed under general anesthesia, laparoscopy allows a surgeon to view abnormalities in the pelvic region by inserting a miniature telescope through the abdominal wall, usually through the navel. A laparoscopy shows where adhesions or other abnormalities caused by endometriosis are located, their size and the extent of the problem.

If endometriostic lesions can be seen, this diagnosis is relatively straightforward. However, the disease is sometimes not easily visible. It can be hidden inside adhesions or underneath the lining of the abdominal cavity. Because the implants of endometriosis may not be visible by laparoscopy, some practitioners make the diagnosis based on clinical evaluation and response to medication.

Ultrasound, computed axial tomography (CAT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — all ways of creating visual images of hard-to-view parts of the body, in this case, the pelvic area, are generally not considered effective ways to diagnose endometriosis.

A typical pelvic exam usually can't detect endometriosis unless there is a pelvic mass or lesion in the ovary causing a cyst, which is relatively rare. Laparoscopy also cannot detect all cases of the disease since some women have deep (endometriosis) disease, meaning the surface projection of the transplanted endometrium is tiny or invisible and the majority of the disease is imbedded deep into the tissue; other women have superficial disease, where the extent of the disease is readily seen by laparoscopy. Often, women have a combination of both types of lesions. Pain is usually greater in women with deep disease than superficial disease. A detailed medical history may offer the earliest clues to your health care professional that could lead to the correct diagnosis.

A laparoscope is commonly employed to diagnose endometriosis and may also be used to treat it. Performed under general anesthesia, laparoscopy allows a surgeon to view abnormalities in the pelvic region by inserting a miniature telescope through the abdominal wall, usually through the navel. A laparoscopy shows where adhesions or other abnormalities caused by endometriosis are located, their size and the extent of the problem.

If endometriostic lesions can be seen, this diagnosis is relatively straightforward. However, the disease is sometimes not easily visible. It can be hidden inside adhesions or underneath the lining of the abdominal cavity. Because the implants of endometriosis may not be visible by laparoscopy, some practitioners make the diagnosis based on clinical evaluation and response to medication.

Ultrasound, computed axial tomography (CAT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — all ways of creating visual images of hard-to-view parts of the body, in this case, the pelvic area, are generally not considered effective ways to diagnose endometriosis.

Although considered an invasive procedure, a biopsy of peritoneal tissue (the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity) during laparoscopy to confirm the presence of transplanted endometrium is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in their most recent practice guidelines update. They state that only an experienced surgeon familiar with the changeable appearances of endometriosis should rely on visual inspection to make the diagnosis.

Gynecologists and reproductive endocrinologists (gynecologists who specialize in infertility and hormonal conditions) are the health care professionals with the experience to evaluate and treat this medical problem.

Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. Others may include:

severe menstrual cramps
excessive menstrual bleeding
pelvic pain apart from menstrual cramps
backache
pain during or after sexual penetration
painful bowel movements
pain in the pelvic region with exercise
painful pelvic examinations

Perhaps the biggest challenge that health care professionals face in accurately diagnosing endometriosis is the fact that the condition can present itself in many different ways. It also can be difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms can be caused by conditions other than endometriosis.



-Source Discoveryhealth.com