Women can wait years for an endometriosis diagnosis. New tech could change that
Summary
A new scanning method using CT scans combined with a special molecular tracer may help detect endometriosis earlier than current tests. A small study at Oxford University showed the technique could identify early signs of the condition more accurately than standard scans.Key Facts
- Endometriosis affects about 1 in 10 women in the UK and can cause severe pain and other symptoms.
- It often takes an average of nine years for women to get a diagnosis.
- Standard scans like ultrasounds and MRIs usually detect endometriosis only when it is more advanced.
- The new method uses a molecular tracer that attaches to new blood vessels forming in early endometriosis.
- In a pilot study of 19 women, the technique correctly detected endometriosis in 16 cases.
- It correctly identified 14 out of 17 confirmed endometriosis cases later found through surgery.
- Current definitive diagnosis requires a laparoscopy, a surgery involving a small camera inserted into the abdomen.
- Earlier diagnosis can help women manage symptoms and plan their lives better.
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