Adenomyoma is a benign growth in the muscle tissue lining of the uterus, caused by endometrial tissue growing deep within the uterine walls. Symptoms include heavy bleeding and discomfort, and treatment involves pain medication and contraceptives. Surgery may be necessary for larger growths or if symptoms worsen over time. Hysterectomy is the only reliable cure.
An adenomyoma is an abnormal growth within the muscle tissue lining of the uterus. It forms when endometrial tissue, the cells that normally make up the innermost lining of the uterus, begin to grow of their own accord deep within the uterine walls. An adenomyoma is usually benign and causes no symptoms, although a particularly large growth can cause discomfort, tenderness, and heavy bleeding during menstrual periods. Treatment usually involves taking pain medication and using contraceptives to reduce menstrual problems. A very painful mass may need to be removed surgically, either by cutting off the growth or by removing the entire uterus via hysterectomy.
The exact causes of the growth are unclear. The actual disorder that stimulates the growth of the mass is called adenomyosis, which is very similar to another type of uterine cell displacement called endometriosis. Adenomyosis does not always cause an adenomyoma. When endometrial cells begin to invade muscle tissue, they can spread evenly and cause the lining of the tissue to thicken. Adenomyomas occur when clusters of cells protrude through the muscle layer.
This condition may or may not cause symptoms. When symptoms are present, they can include heavy menstrual bleeding and spotting between periods. Adenomyomas can be tender and cause significant pain during menstruation and intercourse. Symptoms tend to get worse over time if not evaluated and treated in the early stages of adenomyosis.
In many cases, minor problems go undetected until a woman has a routine gynecological exam. Your doctor might find a small lump and arrange for tests to determine if it’s an adenoma, fibroid, or cancerous tumor. Ultrasounds are useful for studying the composition of the mass, and doctors can usually rule out cancer based on imaging tests alone. A biopsy may be needed if ultrasound tests are inconclusive.
Treatment depends on the size and severity of the growth. If the growth isn’t causing a problem, a doctor may suggest that you simply go in for routine tests. Minor pain and bleeding can usually be controlled with anti-inflammatory drugs and oral contraceptives. Patients are discouraged from trying to get pregnant due to possible complications.
A small to medium-sized adenomyoma that is clearly defined and causing the main symptoms can be surgically removed. In many cases, however, adenomyosis affects a larger area of the uterus than the obvious mass. Hysterectomy is the only reliable and certain cure for the condition. Modern surgical techniques allow women to have hysterectomies as simple outpatient procedures with short recovery times and very little risk.
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