Endometriosis

A painful, chronic disease in which the tissue of the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, usually in the abdomen on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ligaments that support the uterus; the area between the vagina and rectum; the outer surface of the uterus; or the lining of the pelvic cavity. Other sites for endometrial growths may include the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix, vulva, and in abdominal surgical scars. Less commonly, they are found in the lung, arm, thigh, and other locations.