Definitions for "Adenomyosis"
The Condition"...Diagnostic tools include an abdominal X-ray that is taken after ingestion of contrast (a dyelike material that is visible on X-ray); MRI with contrast medium that can often distinguish adenomyosis from fibroids (although its cost..."
The Condition"...20% of women have adenomyosis, the exact rate of incidence of adenomyosis is unknown because a diagnosis can be made only after a pathologist examines uterine wall samples obtained during surgery or biopsy..."
An abnormal condition of the uterus in which glands from the endometrium grow into the muscle of the wall of the uterus (the myometrium), causing local or general enlargement of the uterus, pain with periods, and perhaps heavier periods. A localised area of adenomyosis is called an adenomyoma and can be hard to distinguish from a fibroid on transvaginal ultrasound, although an increase in the serum CA 125 antigen level can point to the correct diagnosis. Unlike a fibroid it is not easily removed at surgery, because it's not clearly separable from surrounding tissue. There's no satisfactory long term treatment for adenomyosis: hysterectomy may be chosen if symptoms are bad enough. GnRH-agonist s give just temporary relief.