Cutaneous Endometriosis: A Case Report

Division

South Atlantic

Hospital

Orange Park Medical Center

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

5-21-2021

Keywords

Cutaneous endometriosis, CEM, keloid, scar endometriosis, umbilical endometriosis

Disciplines

Dermatology | Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications | Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Abstract

Cutaneous endometriosis (CEM) is a rare disease characterized by endometrial glands and/or stroma in the skin. Lesions present as a firm papule or nodule and can be blue, violaceous, red, brown or skin-colored. Patients frequently report cyclical tenderness, swelling and bleeding at the site of the lesion related to their menstrual cycle. CEM presents a diagnostic challenge as lesions are commonly mistaken for a keloid, dermatofibroma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, melanoma or cutaneous metastasis of cancer (e.g., Sister Mary Joseph nodule). A biopsy must be taken to rule out malignancy and treatments include surgical excision and hormonal agents. To our knowledge, just over 100 cases have been reported in the literature. Herein we highlight a case of CEM in a 43-year-old female that presented to dermatology after being overlooked on prior work-up with obstetrics and gynecology. This case highlights the need for dermatologists to be familiar with CEM, as we may be the first clinicians these patients present to for painful cutaneous lesions.

Publisher or Conference

Skin: The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine

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