Abstract: Adenomyosis is a kind of common benign gynecologic endometriosis disease, which shows the characteristics of malignant in certain aspects, such as the angiogenesis and invasion behavior, and has the potential of malignant transformation. The main histologic type is endometrioid adenocarcinoma. The pathogenesis may be related to abnormal smooth muscle cells, high estrogen status, female progesterone receptors, metabolic enzyme abnormalities, gene mutation and epigenetics and so on, but remains unclear. The clinic manifestations are not typical. Abnormal vaginal bleeding and vaginal bleeding after menopause are the most common clinical symptoms of malignant transformation of adenomyosis. It is difficult to make a preoperative diagnosis especially an early one, which leads to the high rate of misdiagnoses and the erroneous diagnosis. Postoperative histopathological examination could determine the diagnosis. Surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy is recommended for the treatment. The prognosis is unknown, which need to be further studied. This article will review the progress on malignant transformation of adenomyosis, intending to provide new way for the early diagnosis and treatment.

Key words: Adenomyosis, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Therapy, Prognosis