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Endometriosis;Light micrograph of a section through the uterus wall showing endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where detached parts of the uterus lining (endometrium) move to other sites in the body. The cysts that result (circular, red/white with dark purple lining) bleed during menstruation, causing pain, inflammation and scarring. Endometriosis is fairly common, affecting perhaps 10% of women. It is hard to diagnose, requiring surgical insertion of a laparoscope into the abdomen. It can be treated with various drugs or with surgical removal of the cysts. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/CNRI)