Evaluation of tissue stiffness: A deeper insight into the nature of uterine leiomyomas and its possible clinical applications

Uterine leiomyomas are benign gynecologic tumors that occur in approximately 80% of women of reproductive age. Although often asymptomatic, these tumors may, in some cases, require gynecologic intervention. Conventional imaging tools, such as ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are most commonly used to guide treatment selection. However, none of these methods provides definitive criteria for qualifying patients for medical, non-invasive, or surgical therapy. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop innovative tools that improve the evaluation of uterine masses and allow for safer and more effective patient stratification for appropriate treatment options. In this context, the relatively recent development of techniques for assessing tissue stiffness offers promising possibilities. The aim of this review was to analyze available research on the use of ultrasound elastography and magnetic resonance elastography in the evaluation of uterine leiomyomas. It highlights the feasibility of these techniques in assessing the viscoelastic properties of leiomyomas and explores their potential application in differential diagnosis and treatment planning.