Diagnosing thoracic Endometriosis can be challenging because the symptoms can sometimes be non-specific (meaning the symptoms are generalised and difficult to pinpoint). However, a good starting point is to carry out a careful review of your symptoms.

 

The diagnosis often requires intimate examinations, assessments, and referrals. Some people may experience symptoms in the lead up to their periods which can be a good indicator for thoracic Endometriosis, being that the symptoms most commonly appear around the time of menstruation. 

 

Imaging scans can also be helpful in detecting endometrial-like tissue, especially if clinical suspicion is high and the lesions are not very small. A chest Xray, CT scan or an MRI are the imaging tests of choice, however it is important to understand a negative result does not exclude the presence of Endometriosis.

 

The diagnosis itself can sometimes be challenging as currently, without a non-invasive diagnostic test, the only way to definitively diagnose the condition and its stage of progress, is by undergoing laparoscopic surgery. This is an invasive procedure.