What is "adenomyosis"

n. (context medicine English) A medical condition characterized by the presence of ectopic glandular tissue in the surrounding muscles, particularly of the endometrial tissue of the uterus in the myometrium, sometimes considered as a form of endometriosis.

n. the presence of endometrium elsewhere than in the lining of the uterus; causes premenstrual pain and dysmenorrhea [syn: endometriosis]

Adenomyosis is a medical condition characterized by the presence of ectopic glandular tissue found in the muscular wall of the uterus (myometria). The term adenomyosis is derived from the Greek terms adeno- (meaning gland), myo- (meaning muscle), and -osis (meaning condition). Previously named as endometriosis interna, but adenomyosis differs from endometriosis and these two diseases represent two separate entities. They are found together in many cases.Lazzeri L, Di Giovanni A, Exacoustos C et al. Preoperative

and postoperative clinical and transvaginal ultrasound

findings of adenomyosis in patients with deep infiltrating

endometriosis. Reprod. Sci. doi:10.1177/1933719114522520

(2014) (Epub ahead of print).

It usually refers to ectopic endometrial tissue (the inner lining of the uterus) within the myometrium (the thick, muscular layer of the uterus). The term "adenomyometritis" specifically implies involvement of the uterus.

The condition is typically found in women between the ages of 35 and 50 but can also be present in younger women. Patients with adenomyosis often present with painful and/or profuse menses ( dysmenorrhea & menorrhagia, respectively). Other possible symptoms are pain during sexual intercourse, chronic pelvic pain and irritation of the urinary bladder.

In adenomyosis, basal endometrium penetrates into hyperplastic myometrial fibers. Therefore, unlike functional layer, basal layer does not undergo typical cyclic changes with menstrual cycle.Leyendecker G, Herbertz M, Kunz G, Mall G.

Endometriosis results from the dislocation of basal

endometrium. Hum. Reprod. 17, 2725–2736 (2002).

Adenomyosis may involve the uterus focally, creating an adenomyoma. With diffuse involvement, the uterus becomes bulky and heavier.