To review the currently available literature regarding the biology, etiology, symptoms, and diagnosis of uterine myomas. Literature review of 220 articles pertaining to uterine myomas. Although uterine myomas presently are not well understood, many advances have been made in the understanding of the hormonal factors, genetic factors, growth factors, and molecular biology of these benign tumors. Prospective, longitudinal studies are underway to characterize the risk factors for their development. When needed, the position of myomas can be best imaged by sonohysterography or magnetic resonance imaging. Evidence suggests that only submucous myomas appear to interfere with fertility, and only very rarely do myomas effect pregnancy outcome. A summary of the available literature regarding the biology, etiology, symptomatology, and diagnosis of myomas shows that, although they are still not well understood, much has been learned about uterine myomas.

Myomas are the most common benign tumors of the genital organs in women of childbearing age, causing significant morbidity and impairing their quality of life. In our investigation, we have reviewed the epidemiological data related to the development of myomas in order to homogenize the current data. Therefore, a MEDLINE and PubMed search, for the years 1990-2013, was conducted using a combination of keywords, such as "myoma," "leiomyoma," "fibroids," "myomectomy," "lifestyle," "cigarette," "alcohol," "vitamins," "diet," and "hysterectomy". Randomized controlled studies were selected based upon the authors’ estimation. Peer-reviewed articles examining myomas were sorted by their relevance and included in this research. Additional articles were also identified from the references of the retrieved papers and included according to authors’ estimation. Many epidemiologic factors are linked to the development of myomas; however, many are not yet fully understood. These factors include age, race, heritage, reproductive factors, sex hormones, obesity, lifestyle (diet, caffeine and alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity and stress), environmental and other influences, such as hypertension and infection. Some of the epidemiological data is conflicting. Thus, more research is needed to understand all the risk factors that contribute to myoma formation and how they exactly influence their onset and growth.