Preface

My interest in the study of endometriosis arose during my post-doc at the Department of Gynecology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), Brazil, under the guidance of the late and inspiring Dr. Manoel João Batista Castello Girão (in memory) in 2008 and led me to study disease progression and cell cycle control strategies at the molecular level.

Endometriosis is not just a medical problem. Some recent research shows that there is a high chance that women surgically diagnosed with endometriosis will leave the workforce and have problems with fertility. Endometriosis is estimated to cost the world economy \$9.7 billion a year. Most of these costs come from lost productivity at work. Focusing on work can be difficult due to unpredictable symptoms as well as side effects from using strong pain relievers. Women seeking a diagnosis of endometriosis through surgery need time to recover and may have more surgeries in the future.

This book presents a comprehensive overview of endometriosis, including information on molecular diagnostics and imaging methods for early detection as well as new, less-invasive treatments that preserve women's fertility.

> **Giovana Ap. Gonçalves** Associate Professor, Department of Medicine – Father Albino Universitary Center - UNIFIPA, Catanduva, Brasil
