Therapeutic management of uterine fibroid tumors

Fibroids, which are benign smooth-muscle tumors of clonal origin, are the most common gynecologic tumors occurring in about 20 to 25 % of women over 30 years of age. The most frequent symptoms are pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding resulting in anemia. The role of fibroids in infertility remains debated but probably mostly related to submucosal location due to implantation impairment. Although most women are asymptomatic (80%), fibroids can have a considerable impact on quality of life. Considering this impact and the cost associated with their management, treatment of fibroids is a public health concern. Treatment options for symptomatic fibroids include medical, surgical and alternatives techniques. Medical management is mainly based on the use of progestogens, antifibrinolytics agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs selective progesterone receptor modulators. Surgical management includes myomectomy (hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, minilaparoscopic or laparotomic) and hysterectomy. The choice of surgery depends on several factors: the number, topography and size of myomas, the age of the patient and her desire for fertility, treatment history and her desire to keep the uterus. Alternatives techniques to surgery are mainly based on the uterine artery embolization. The aim of this article is to provide evidence based recommendations for the management of uterine fibroids.