December 4, 2023

Endosalpingiosis is a condition where tissue similar to that normally found in the fallopian tube is found outside of the fallopian tube. This tissue may be found in various pelvic organs and structures, such as the ovaries, peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity), and other pelvic tissues. It can also be found in small immune organs called lymph nodes.

The exact cause of endosalpingiosis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the displacement of fallopian tube tissue during ovulation or as a result of previous surgery, such as tubal ligation or removal of the fallopian tubes. It may also develop as a result of a process called metaplasia.

Is endosalpingiosis serious?

Endosalpingiosis is generally considered a benign (non-cancerous) condition. However, it can sometimes be associated with pelvic pain, especially during menstruation, and may be discovered incidentally during surgery or other medical investigations.

What does endosalpingiosis look like under the microscope?

Under the microscope, endosalpingiosis appears as glands or cystic structures lined with tubal-type epithelium. The epithelial cells lining these structures resemble the cells found in the fallopian tubes. One characteristic feature is the presence of cilia on the surface of the cells. The glands may contain clear or eosinophilic (pink) fluid, and the appearance can be somewhat variable.

Histologically, endosalpingiosis can be challenging to distinguish from other similar conditions, such as endometriosis. Both conditions involve the presence of tissue in abnormal locations, and they may share certain morphological features. For this reason, pathologists sometimes perform a test called immunohistochemistry which can help distinguish between these two conditions.

About this article

Doctors wrote this article to help you read and understand your pathology report. Contact us if you have questions about this article or your pathology report. For a complete introduction to your pathology report, read this article.

Other helpful resources

Atlas of pathology