ECTOPIC ADENOMYOMA: POSTOPERATIVE INVASIONS OF THE ABDOMINAL WALL

Abstract

So many cases of adenomyoma occupying unusual locations beyond the uterus have been described that their presence in extra-uterine tissues is no longer considered remarkable. Such tumors have been discovered in the uterine adnexa, in the ligaments supporting the uterus and in the tissue separating the generative organs from contiguous structures. Besides the adenomyomatous tumors in these adjacent structures, others are found in tissue as far removed as the intestinal tract, the gallbladder and the kidney. It is true that there are certain distinguishing characteristics between the latter tumors and those of the uterus, especially with regard to the character of the epithelium they contain. No such distinction can be made as regards the tumors involving the abdominal wall that are described in this report. They are of rare occurrence and consequently no considerable number have been reported. We have observed nine patients who developed such tumors of the abdominal