A 28-year-old woman presents with progressive dysmenorrhea and infertility. Laparoscopy shows dark 'chocolate' cysts on the ovaries and implants on the uterosacral ligaments. Histologically, the implants must contain:
- A Atypical glandular cells suggesting malignant transformation
- B Mucinous epithelium resembling endocervix
- C Both endometrial glands and endometrial stroma outside the uterus ✓
- D Granulomatous inflammation with hemosiderin-laden macrophages only
Correct answer: C. Both endometrial glands and endometrial stroma outside the uterus
Explanation
The histological definition of endometriosis requires the presence of both endometrial glands and endometrial stroma outside the uterine cavity. Chocolate cysts (endometriomas) contain old blood and hemosiderin. The stroma is essential for diagnosis; glands alone would be endometrial gland heterotopia. Granulomatous inflammation with hemosiderin may be seen as a reaction but is not diagnostic on its own.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.