A History of Adenomyosis

In: Endometriosis and Adenomyosis · 2022 · pp. 411–421 · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-97236-3_30 · W4285221697
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This paper traces the historical identification and evolving understanding of "mucosal invasions" in pelvic organs, eventually recognized as adenomyosis, through the work of key pathologists and clinicians over 150 years.

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This historical chapter reviews how adenomyosis was conceptualized over roughly the past 150 years, tracing early pathologic descriptions of epithelial “mucosal invasions” in pelvic organs and the development of terms such as “adenomyoma.” It describes how early observers recognized similarities to endometrial mucosa but debated origins, with around 1920 acceptance of an “endometrial nature” largely driven by Thomas Cullen’s detailed accounts of lesions in multiple pelvic structures. The chapter also notes that investigators questioned whether “adenomyomas” represented a single lesion type, and that Oskar Frankl coined “adenomyosis” to distinguish deep “endometrial nests” in the myometrium from other related affections, framing it as a clinically significant disease with distinct disease genesis; a limitation is that it is narrative history rather than new experimental evidence. Relevance to endometriosis: it repeatedly contrasts adenomyosis with endometrial mucosa and highlights historical debates about ectopic endometrial-type lesions that are conceptually adjacent to endometriosis, within a chapter devoted to adenomyosis.

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Abstract

Some 150 years ago, pathologists identified “mucosal invasions” in peritoneal organs. The term “adenomyoma” was coined to refer to these epithelial lesions and the surrounding smooth muscle and stroma. Early descriptions featured rare and unusual presentations, but it became increasingly apparent that the presence of ectopic mucosa is relatively frequent. Similarity to endometrial mucosa was readily recognized, but extensive debate followed about the nature and origin of these “mucosal invasions”; many refused this interpretation. Only around 1920, their “endometrial nature” became widely accepted. Central to this was the work of Thomas Cullen, who provided detailed accounts of lesions located within various pelvic structures. At the same time, few pioneers questioned whether “adenomyomas” represent only one type of lesion. Oskar Frankl coined the name “adenomyosis” to distinguish “endometrial nests” deep in the myometrium from other affections. This marked the “genesis” of a new disease and the recognition of its clinical significance. Access this chapter Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout Purchases are for personal use only Similar content being viewed by others

References

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