Adenomyosis

MyPathologyReport
April 5, 2023

What is adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is the presence of non-cancerous glands within the muscular wall of an organ. Adenomyosis is commonly seen in the uterus and in the gallbladder. Pathologists sometimes use the word ‘adenomyoma’ to describe an area of adenomyosis.

What are the symptoms of adenomyosis?

The symptoms of adenomyosis depend on where in the body the condition occurs. In the uterus, adenomyosis can cause symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding and pain. It is normally described in a pathology report after the uterus has been removed for another condition such as a leiomyoma (fibroid) or cancer. In the gallbladder, adenomyosis does not usually cause any symptoms but is found after the gallbladder is removed as a result of a long-standing inflammation of the gallbladder or chronic cholecystitis.

What causes adenomyosis?

The cause of adenomyosis in both the uterus and gallbladder is presently unknown.