Adenomyosis

Alternative names:

adenomyoma; endometriosis interna

Definition:

Uterine thickening caused when endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, extends outward into the fibrous and muscular tissue of the uterus.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The diagnosis of adenomyosis can only be made after a pathologist examines uterine wall samples. The cause is unknown. The disease usually occurs in women over 30 years old who have borne children, and rarely occurs in women who have not carried a pregnancy to term.