The key difference between cervical ectropion and endometriosis is that cervical entropion is a condition in which cells that grow inside the cervix (glandular cells) grow onto the outside of the cervix, while cervical endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissues grow on the cervix, causing lesions on the outside of the cervix.
Cervix is an organ of the female reproductive system. It is a cylindrical-shaped neck of tissue that connects the vagina and uterus (womb). It is usually a 2 to 3 cm long passage between the uterus cavity and vaginal cavity. This canal allows menstrual blood to flow. It also has an opening that expands during the birth of a child. Cervical cancer is one of the diseases that occur in the cervix. Cervicitis, cervical polyps, and cysts are the other problems associated with the cervix. Cervical ectropion and cervical endometriosis are two common gynaecological conditions in the cervix.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Cervical Ectropion
3. What is Cervical Endometriosis
4. Similarities – Cervical Ectropion and Endometriosis
5. Cervical Ectropion vs Endometriosis in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Cervical Ectropion vs Endometriosis
What is Cervical Ectropion?
Cervical ectropion is a condition in which the cells that grow inside of the cervix grow on the outside. These cells are glandular cells. They are more sensitive and redder than the usual lining cells. Therefore, the cervix looks much redder than the typical cervix. This condition is also known as cervical eversion, ectropy, or erosion. It is not a serious condition to worry about.
Figure 01: Female Reproductive System
This condition is more often seen in child-bearing women. This condition normally arises when the hormone levels change, and estrogen levels go up in situations like puberty or pregnancy. Most women are born with cervical ectropion. Therefore, this condition can be congenital or occur later in life due to high estrogen levels. Symptoms associated with cervical ectropion are vaginal discharge, bleeding during sex, pain during or after sex.
What is Cervical Endometriosis?
The endometrium is the tissue that lines the uterus. Cervical endometriosis is a rare disease in which endometrial tissues grow on the cervix. Cervical endometriosis usually does not show any symptoms. In this condition, lesions occur on the outside of the cervix. It is a benign condition that can be diagnosed after a pelvic examination.
The symptoms associated with cervical endometriosis are vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, painful sexual intercourse and bleeding, heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding and painful periods. Pregnancy is not affected by cervical endometriosis. Many women do not need any treatment for this condition. However, if symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding or abnormal bleeding occur, she may need to undergo treatment for cervical endometriosis. Surgical excision is one of the treatments for symptomatic patients.
What are the Similarities Between Cervical Ectropion and Endometriosis?
- Cervical ectropion and cervical endometriosis are two conditions that affect the cervix.
- Most women do not need any treatment for these conditions.
- They usually go away without treatment.
- They are asymptomatic in most women.
- Both conditions show symptoms such as vaginal discharge, bleeding, pain during intercourse, etc.
What is the Difference Between Cervical Ectropion and Endometriosis?
In cervical ectropion, glandular cells that grow inside the cervix grow on the outside of the cervix, while in cervical endometriosis, endometrial tissues grow on the outside of the cervix. So, this is the key difference between cervical ectropion and endometriosis. Cervical ectropion causes a redder and more sensitive cervix, while cervical endometriosis causes lesions on the cervix.
The below infographic lists the differences between cervical ectropion and endometriosis in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Summary – Cervical Ectropion vs Endometriosis
The cervix is the passage that connects the uterus to the vagina. Cervical ectropion and cervical endometriosis are two problems in the cervix. In most women, both conditions are asymptomatic. They usually go away without treatment. Cervical ectropion occurs when the glandular cells that usually grow inside the cervix grow outside the cervix. As a result, the cervix becomes redder and sensitive. Cervical endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissues grow on the cervix. As a result, lesions can form in the cervix. Thus, this is the summary of the difference between cervical ectropion and endometriosis.
Reference:
1. Holland, Kimberly. “Cervical Endometriosis: Diagnosis and Complications.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 18 Sept. 2018.
2. Reese, Diana. “Cervical Ectropion (Cervical Erosion): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment.” WebMD.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Blausen 0399 FemaleReproSystem 01” By Blausen.com staff (2014). “Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014”. WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436. – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia