LAUSR

ABSTRACT Endometriosis, characterized by the presence of extra‐uterine endometrium, is a common gynecologic disorder in reproductive‐age women. Although the detailed molecular mechanism of etiology remains unelucidated, recent studies have gradually revealed both genetic and epigenetic backgrounds of the development of endometriosis. In clinical practice, endometriosis has been recognized as a precursor lesion of several types of malignancies and endometriosis‐associated carcinoma. An imbalance between reactive oxygen species and local antioxidants has been reported to contribute to the development of endometriosis‐associated carcinoma as well as the pathophysiology of this disease through a systemic inflammatory response in the peritoneal cavity. This review mainly presents an epidemiology, possible etiology of endometriosis, precursor lesions, molecular features, and the association between the microenvironmental accumulations of oxidative stress in endometriosis‐associated ovarian cancer progression. Graphical abstract Illustration of the possible involvement of endometriosis in the development of EAOC. Because of an overgrowth of endometrial tissue and retrograde menstrual flow resulting in high levels of hemoglobin, heme, and iron, increasing levels of oxidative stress may continue iron‐related oxidative stress and subsequent peritoneal damage or carcinogenesis of ovarian endometrial lesions. Figure. No Caption available. HighlightsEndometriosis is one of the most common gynecologic diseases in women of reproductive age.Endometriosis is known as a precursor lesion of several types of ovarian cancer.Iron‐related oxidative stress may contribute to subsequent carcinogenesis.