Short Wave This Cellular Atlas Could Lead To Breakthroughs For Endometriosis Patients
Jul 19, 2023
In this episode, Dr. Kate Lawrenson, an associate professor at Cedars-Sinai and co-director of the Women's Cancer Research Program, dives into the complexities of endometriosis. She discusses her groundbreaking work creating a cellular atlas derived from nearly 400,000 cells, aimed at revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment. With over 10% of women affected, Dr. Lawrenson highlights the pressing need for better research and raises awareness about this often-misunderstood condition. Join her in exploring the future of endometriosis care.
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Life-Changing Patient Encounter
- Kate Lawrenson met a patient in her 30s suffering from pelvic pain, unaware of the cause.
- This patient's desire for a hysterectomy due to severe symptoms, impacting family plans, profoundly affected Lawrenson.
Endometriosis Explained
- Endometriosis involves endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus, causing pain and potential infertility.
- It has four stages, but these only reflect lesion size/location, not pain or symptom severity.
Causes of Endometriosis
- The causes of endometriosis are not fully understood, but family history is a factor.
- Even people without a uterus can develop endometriosis, suggesting multiple potential causes.