TAILORING THE DIAGNOSIS FOR THERAPEUTIC AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF UTERINE FIBROIDS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Authors

Keywords:

Leiomyoma, uterine fibroids, pathophysiology, adenomyosis, endocervical polyps, menorrhagia

Abstract

These benign tumors are the most frequent tumors of the female reproductive system. These hormone-responsive tumors can present with a wide range of symptoms, from severe symptoms such as pelvic discomfort, excessive menstrual flow, reproductive dysfunction, and a marked reduction in quality of life, to asymptomatic cases. The clinical relevance of size and quantity concerns, as well as the classification of fibroids by site (subserosal, intramural, submucosal, and cervical), are discussed. Focusing on genetic abnormalities such as MED12 and HMGA2, the effects of estrogen and progesterone, and important risk factors such as ethnicity, reproductive, and environmental variables, this review further clarifies the intricate pathophysiology of fibroids. The therapeutic options are thoroughly reviewed with a focus on fertility-sparing tactics. These include minimally invasive procedures such as MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) and uterine artery embolization (UAE), medical management with hormonal and non-hormonal agents, and surgical options such as myomectomy and hysterectomy. Finally, new pharmacological medicines, minimally invasive technology advancements, genetic and molecular targeting, and the combination of artificial intelligence and personalized medicine to improve treatment are mentioned as future directions in fibroid research and therapy. The purpose of this review is to provide researchers and doctors with a thorough and up-to-date resource to comprehend and address the health issues that uterine fibroids present in women.

Author Biography

Singh N, Department of Pharmacy, SMAS, Galgotias University, Plot No. 2, Sector-17A, Greater Noida

Student

References

Advincula, A. P., Xu, X., Goudeau, S., IV, & Ransom, S. B. (2007). Robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy versus abdominal myomectomy: A comparison of short-term surgical outcomes and immediate costs. Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 14(6), 698–705. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.jmig.2007.06.008

Al-Hendy, A., Myers, E. R., & Stewart, E. A. (2017). Uterine fibroids: Burden and unmet medical need. Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, 35(6), 473–480.

https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0037-1607264

Ali, M., Chaudhry, Z. T., & Vollenhoven, B. (2017). An update on the management of uterine fibroids. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 57(3), 329–337.

Ali, M., Ciebiera, M., Vafaei, S., Alkhrait, S., Chen, H.-Y., Chiang, Y.-F., Huang, K.-C., Feduniw, S., Hsia, S.-M., & Al-Hendy, A. (2023). Progesterone signaling and uterine fibroid pathogenesis: Molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutics. Cells, 12(8), Article 1117. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12081117

Baird, D. D., Dunson, D. B., Hill, M. C., Cousins, D., & Schectman, J. M. (2003). High cumulative

incidence of uterine leiomyoma in Black and White women: Ultrasound evidence. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 188(1), 100–107. https://doi.org/10.1067/mob.2003.99

Bano, A., Wei, C. R., Memon, A. A. Q., Osama, M., Shaikh, S., Shah, Q., Rabel, D., & Siyal, F. J. (2023). A comprehensive review of uterine fibroids: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and future perspectives. Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, 30(18), 1961–1974. https://doi.org/10.53555/jptcp.v30i18.3385

Bariani, M. V., Cui, Y.-H., Ali, M., Bai, T., Grimm, S. L., Coarfa, C., & Al-Hendy, A. (2023). TGFβ signaling links early life endocrine-disrupting chemicals exposure to suppression of nucleotide excision repair in rat myometrial stem cells. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 80(10), Article 288. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-023-04928-z

Bedaiwy, M. A., Alfaraj, S., Yong, P., & Casper, R. (2017). New developments in the medical treatment of endometriosis. Fertility and Sterility, 107(3), 555–565. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.12.025

Behairy, M. S., Goldsmith, D., Schultz, C., Morrison, J. J., & Jahangiri, Y. (2024). Uterine fibroids: A narrative review of epidemiology and management, with a focus on uterine artery embolization. Gynecology and Pelvic Medicine, 7, Article 7.

Borahay, M. A., Al-Hendy, A., Kilic, G. S., & Boehning, D. (2015). Signaling pathways in leiomyoma: Understanding pathobiology and implications for therapy. Molecular Medicine, 21(1), 242–256. https://doi.org/10.2119/molmed.2014.00053

Borahay, M. A., Asoglu, M. R., Mas, A., Adam, S., Kilic, G. S., & Al-Hendy, A. (2017). Estrogen receptors and signaling in fibroids: Role in pathobiology and therapeutic

implications. Reproductive Sciences, 24(9), 1235–1244. https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719116678683

Bulun, S. E. (2013). Uterine fibroids. The New England Journal of Medicine, 369(14), 1344–1355. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1209993

Bulun, S. E., Yin, P., Wei, J., Zuberi, A., Iizuka, T., Suzuki, T., & Rajkovic, A. (2025). Uterine fibroids. Physiological Reviews, 105(4), 1947–1988.

Cardozo, E. R., Clark, A. D., Banks, N. K., Henne, M. B., Stegmann, B. J., & Segars, J. H. (2012).

The estimated annual cost of uterine leiomyomata in the United States. American Journal of

Obstetrics and Gynecology, 206(3), 211.e1–211.e9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2011.12.002

Catherino, W. H., Parrott, E., Segars, J. H., & Proceedings from the Fibroid Meeting. (2020). Uterine fibroid biology and clinical considerations. Fertility and Sterility, 113(3), 527–542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.12.031

Ciebiera, M., Łoziński, T., & Al-Hendy, A. (2025). Uterine fibroids-Why you should choose tailored therapies based on the joint decision of the physician and the patient. Ginekologia Polska, 96(7), 519–523.

De Smit, N. S., de Lange, M. E., Boomsma, M. F., Huirne, J. A. F., & Hehenkamp, W. J. K. (2025). Current treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids: Available evidence and therapeutic dilemmas. The Lancet, 406(10399), 91–102.

Donnez, J., & Dolmans, M.-M. (2016). Uterine fibroid management: From the present to the future. Human Reproduction Update, 22(6), 665–686. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmw023

Donnez, J., Tomaszewski, J., Vázquez, F., Bouchard, P., Lemieszczuk, B., Baró, F., Nouri, K., Selvaggi, L., Sodowski, K., Bestel, E., Terrill, P., Osterloh, I., Loumaye, E., & PEARL II Study Group. (2012). Ulipristal acetate versus placebo for fibroid treatment before surgery.

The New England Journal of Medicine, 366(5), 409–420. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1103182

Dueholm, M. (2006). Imaging techniques for evaluation of uterine myomas and adenomyosis. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 20(4),

–700. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2006.01.005

El Sabeh, M., Saha, S. K., Afrin, S., Islam, M. S., & Borahay, M. A. (2021). Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in uterine leiomyoma: Role in tumor biology and targeting opportunities. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 476(9), 3513–3536. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-021-04174-6

Eltoukhi, H. M., Modi, M. N., Weston, M., Armstrong, A. Y., & Stewart, E. A. (2014). The health

disparities of uterine fibroid tumors for African American women: A public health issue. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 210(3), 194–199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2013.08.008

Flower, A., Lohfeld, L., Verity, L., & Jepson, M. (2020). NSAIDs for heavy menstrual bleeding. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020(8), Article CD000400.

Gluck, O., Haimovich, S., & Villanueva, C. (2023). The diagnostic challenge of endometrial polyps. Fertility and Sterility, 119(1), 1–9.

Gupta, S., Jose, J., & Manyonda, I. (2008). Clinical presentation of fibroids. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 22(4), 615–626. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2008.01.008

Harmon, Q. E., Patchel, S., Denslow, S., Wegienka, G., & Baird, D. D. (2024). Body mass index and uterine fibroid development: A prospective study. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 109(11), e2016–e2023.

Ikhena, D. E., & Bulun, S. E. (2018). Literature review on the role of uterine fibroids in endometrial function. Reproductive Sciences, 25(5), 635–643.

https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719117725827

Ishikawa, H., Kobayashi, T., Kaneko, M., Saito, Y., Shozu, M., & Koga, K. (2023). Rising stars: Role of MED12 mutation in the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 71(4), Article e230014.

Ju, R., Liu, Y., Sun, J., & Zhao, X. Y. (2020). Recent advances in the medical treatment of uterine fibroids. Chinese Medical Journal, 133(13), 1556–1564.

Katz, T. A., Yang, Q., Treviño, L. S., Walker, C. L., & Al-Hendy, A. (2016). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and uterine fibroids. Fertility and Sterility, 106(4), 967–977. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.08.023

Khan, A. T., Shehmar, M., & Gupta, J. K. (2014). Uterine fibroids: Current perspectives. International Journal of Women’s Health, 6, 95–114. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S51083

Korczynska, L., Zeber-Lubecka, N., Zgliczynska, M., Zarychta, E., Zareba, K., Wojtyla, C., Kuryłowicz, A., & Ciebiera, M. (2023). The role of microbiota in the pathophysiology of uterine fibroids: A systematic review. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 13, Article 1177366. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2023.1177366

Leal, C. R., Vannuccini, S., Jain, V., Dolmans, M. M., Sardo, A. D. S., Al-Hendy, A., & Reis, F. M. (2024). Abnormal uterine bleeding: The well-known and the hidden face. Journal of endometriosis and uterine disorders, 6, 100071.

Lethaby, A., Farquhar, C., & Hickey, M. (2018). Antifibrinolytics for heavy menstrual bleeding. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018(4), Article CD000249. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD000249.pub2

Liao, L., Xu, Y. H., Bai, J., Zhan, P., Zhou, J., Li, M. X., & Zhang, Y. (2023). MRI parameters for predicting the effect of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound

in the ablation of uterine fibroids. Clinical Radiology, 78(1), 61-69.

Lipson, S. A., & Hricak, H. (1996). MR imaging of the female pelvis. Radiologic Clinics of North America, 34(6), 1157–1182. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0033-8389(22)00696-0

Lukes, A. S., Moore, K. A., Muse, K. N., Gersten, J. K., Hecht, B. R., Edlund, M., & Shangold,

G. A. (2010). Tranexamic acid treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding: A randomized controlled trial. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 116(4), 865–875. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181f20177

Lumsden, M. A., Hamoodi, I., Gupta, J., & Hickey, M. (2015). Fibroids: Diagnosis and management. BMJ, 351, Article h4887. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h4887

Mascolo, M., De Rosa, N., Ferraro, A., & De Falco, M. (2023). Clinical features and pathophysiology of endometrial polyps. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(15), Article 9458.

Medikare, V., Kandukuri, L. R., Ananthapur, V., Deenadayal, M., & Nallari, P. (2011). The genetic bases of uterine fibroids: A review. Journal of Reproduction & Infertility, 12(3), 181–191.

Mehine, M., Kaasinen, E., Heinonen, H.-R., Mäkinen, N., Kämpjärvi, K., Sarvilinna, N., Aavikko, M., Vähärautio, A., Pasanen, A., Bützow, R., Heikinheimo, O., Sjöberg, J., Pitkänen, E., Vahteristo, P., & Aaltonen, L. A. (2016). Integrated data analysis reveals uterine leiomyoma subtypes with distinct driver pathways and biomarkers. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 113(5), 1315–1320. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1518752113

Metwally, M., Li, T. C., & Ledger, W. L. (2012). The impact of fibroid location on the outcome of IVF treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Human Reproduction Update, 18(6), 676–686.

Mukherjee, P. (2025). Genetic and biomarker approaches to uterine fibroids: Toward precision medicine. Frontiers in Global Women’s Health, 6, Article 1581823.

Munro, M. G., Critchley, H. O. D., Broder, M. S., & Fraser, I. S. (2011). FIGO classification system (PALM–COEIN) for causes of abnormal uterine bleeding in nongravid women of reproductive age. International Journal of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, 113(1), 3–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.11.011

Navarro, A., Bariani, M. V., Yang, Q., & Al-Hendy, A. (2021). Understanding the impact of uterine fibroids on human endometrium function. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 9, Article 633180. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2021.633180

Peitsidis, P., Mesogitis, S., & Antsaklis, A. (2014). Tranexamic acid for the management of uterine fibroid tumors: A systematic review. Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, 78(4), 217–229.

Pritts, E. A., Parker, W. H., & Olive, D. L. (2009). Fibroids and infertility: An updated systematic review of the evidence. Fertility and Sterility, 91(4), 1215–1223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.01.051

Rackow, B. W., & Taylor, H. S. (2010). Uterine cavity factors and implantation: Polyps, leiomyomas, and anomalies. Fertility and Sterility, 94(2), 393–404.

Schlaff, W. D., Ackerman, R. T., Al-Hendy, A., Archer, D. F., Barnhart, K. T., Bradley, L. D., Carr, B. R., Feinberg, E. C., Hurtado, S. M., Kim, J., Liu, J. H., Simon, J. A., Stovall, D. W., Wilk, K., Li, Y., & Muneyyirci-Delale, O. (2020). Elagolix for heavy menstrual bleeding in women with uterine fibroids. The New England Journal of Medicine, 382(4), 328–340. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1904351

Sinclair, D. C., Mastroyannis, A., & Taylor, H. S. (2011). Leiomyoma simultaneously impair endometrial BMP-2-mediated decidualization and anticoagulant expression through secretion of TGF-β3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 96(2), 412–421. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2010-1450

Soliman, A. M., Yang, H., Du, E. X., Kelkar, S. S., & Winkel, C. (2015). The direct and indirect costs of uterine fibroid tumors: A systematic review of the literature between 2000 and 2013. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 213(2), 141–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2015.03.019

Spies, J. B., Coyne, K., Ancukiewicz, M., Taubman, K., & Guido, R. (2002). Complications after

uterine artery embolization for leiomyomas. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 99(5), 873–880. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0029-7844(02)02341-4

Stewart, E. A., Cookson, C. L., Gandolfo, R. A., & Schulze-Rath, R. (2017). Epidemiology of uterine fibroids: A systematic review. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 124(10), 1501–1512. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.14640

Stewart, E. A., Laughlin-Tommaso, S. K. (2024). Uterine fibroids. The New England Journal of Medicine, 391(18), 1721–1733. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp2309623

Stewart, E. A., Nicholson, W. K., Bradley, L., & Borah, B. J. (2013). The burden of uterine fibroids for African-American women: Results of a national survey. Journal of Women’s Health, 22(10), 807–816. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2013.4334

Vines, A. I., Ta, M., & Esserman, D. A. (2010). The association between self-reported major life events and the presence of uterine fibroids. Women’s Health Issues, 20(4), 294–298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2010.03.009

Whitaker, L., & Critchley, H. O. D. (2016). Abnormal uterine bleeding. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 34, 54–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2015.11.012

Xu, F., Deng, L., Zhang, L., Hu, H., & Shi, Q. (2021). The comparison of myomectomy, UAE and MRgFUS in the treatment of uterine fibroids: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Hyperthermia, 38(2), 24–29.

Yang, Q., Ciebiera, M., Bariani, M. V., Ali, M., Elkafas, H., Boyer, T. G., & Al-Hendy, A. (2022). Comprehensive review of uterine fibroids: Developmental origin, pathogenesis, and treatment. Endocrine Reviews, 43(4), 678–719. https://doi.org/10.1210/endrev/bnab039

Downloads

Published

2026-06-22

How to Cite

Das, S., & Singh, N. (2026). TAILORING THE DIAGNOSIS FOR THERAPEUTIC AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF UTERINE FIBROIDS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW. Suranaree Journal of Science and Technology, 33(2), 070106(1–14). retrieved from https://ph04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/SUJST/article/view/11495