Webinar: Breathless & Misunderstood — Thoracic Endometriosis, Chest Pain & Collapsed Lungs

What if your shortness of breath, sharp chest pain, or even a collapsed lung wasn’t just a fluke—but tied to endometriosis? This session explores how endometriosis can migrate to the chest cavity, impact the lungs, and be dangerously overlooked in standard diagnostic care.

When Endometriosis Reaches the Lungs

Thoracic endometriosis is one of the most underrecognized forms of the disease. For some, it causes vague chest discomfort or shortness of breath. For others, it leads to lung collapse, coughing up blood, or air leaks during menstruation. Most are misdiagnosed—until it’s critical.

In this Endo Exchange session, hear from Dr. Karli Goldstein, fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon and endometriosis excision expert; Dr. Christos Stavropoulos, double board-certified thoracic surgeon and Director of Thoracic Oncology; and Anne Party, endometriosis advocate and survivor of thoracic endo and lung collapse, as they bring light to one of the most overlooked manifestations of endometriosis—and what patients can do to finally get answers.

This Webinar Is For You If:

You live with endometriosis and experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained respiratory symptoms
You’ve had a collapsed lung or pleural effusion around your cycle
You’ve been told it’s stress, anxiety, or asthma—but your symptoms persist
You’re seeking clarity on how endometriosis can affect the diaphragm, lungs, and thoracic cavity—and what next steps are possible

Register for Webinar

Details will be emailed to you after registering for webinar.

Dr. Karli Provost Goldstein

CEO & Founder of ESSE Care, Endometriosis Specialist & Surgeon

Dr. Christos Stavropoulos, MD, FACS

Chief of Thoracic Surgery, Englewood Health & Director of Thoracic Oncology, Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center

Learn About Dr. Christos Stavropoulos, MD, FACS

Dr. Christos Stavropoulos is a double board-certified thoracic surgeon with over 20 years of experience specializing in minimally invasive procedures, including robotic thoracoscopy and bronchoscopy. He is a Diplomat of both the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

As Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Englewood Health and Director of Thoracic Oncology at The Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center, Dr. Stavropoulos leads a nationally top-rated 3-STAR STS Lobectomy Program, recognized for its excellence in outcomes and patient care. He has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and is known for his collaborative work with gynecologic surgeons in treating thoracic manifestations of endometriosis. His expertise and compassion make him a trusted leader in complex, interdisciplinary care.

Anne Party

Patient Advocate & Endometriosis Survivor

Learn About Anne Party

Anne Party brings a deeply personal perspective to thoracic endometriosis and the life-altering impact of compassionate, coordinated care. After years of being misdiagnosed and told her symptoms were unrelated, Anne’s right lung partially collapsed due to undetected endometriosis on her diaphragm. Her liver had also herniated into her chest cavity—an urgent, life-threatening complication that had been completely missed until she met Dr. Karli Goldstein.

Anne underwent a complex 9-hour, multi-organ surgery that not only saved her life but restored hope for her future. Her story highlights the emotional and physical toll of long-term misdiagnosis—and the transformational power of being truly seen and heard by a multidisciplinary team. Today, Anne shares her journey to raise awareness, advocate for others, and remind patients that they are not alone.

What You’ll Walk Away With

Understanding the Invisible

Thoracic endometriosis often hides in plain sight. You’ll learn how it can impact your diaphragm, lungs, and chest—and how to recognize patterns that many providers miss.

What to Ask, What to Expect

From imaging and consults to surgical referrals, we’ll break down what a proper workup really looks like—and what steps can help move you forward.

A Story That Might Sound Familiar

Anne’s experience brings to life what so many endure: unexplained symptoms, dismissal, and finally, someone who truly listened. Her journey offers insight, validation, and hope.

Though thoracic endometriosis is rare, studies show that individuals with endometriosis are significantly more likely to experience cyclical chest pain, catamenial pneumothorax (lung collapse during menstruation), and respiratory symptoms than the general population. Yet these symptoms are often misdiagnosed—or dismissed entirely. This webinar brings together specialists across disciplines to spotlight these critical but overlooked connections, and to advocate for integrative care that sees the whole patient.

Why This Conversation Matters

Symptoms Are Real

You’ve been told it’s anxiety or asthma. But the pain is real—and so is the condition behind it. Thoracic endo deserves a place in the conversation.

Care Must Connect

When specialists talk to each other, patients win. Multidisciplinary care means more answers, fewer delays, and a team that sees the full picture.

You Deserve More

This isn’t just about managing symptoms. It’s about understanding your body, feeling safe in your care, and finding a path that honors your whole health.

Ready to Breathe Again—Literally and Figuratively?

The Endo Exchange is a limited webinar series hosted by ESSE Care, dedicated to providing truthful, comprehensive information about endometriosis through meaningful conversations between patients and medical professionals.