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Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids

by Ricker Polsdorfer, MD

Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Fibroids | Resource Guide

Diagnostic Tests

Your doctor may do a routine pelvic exam. Most significant fibroids are discovered on routine pelvic examination. If symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, suggest the presence of fibroids that are not discovered on pelvic examination, further evaluation with imaging tests may be needed.

These tests may include:

  • Transvaginal ultrasound—A smooth probe inserted into the vagina produces images of pelvic structures using high frequency sound waves.
  • CT Scan —This is a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body.
  • MRI —This test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body.
  • Hysteroscopy —A thin, lighted telescope-like tube is inserted through the vagina to the cavity of the uterus.
  • Laparoscopy —In this procedure, a thin tubelike instrument called a laparoscope is inserted through a small incision near the navel to allow the doctor to look inside the abdomen.
  • Hysterosalpingography —In this x-ray procedure, a dye is injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes to outline any irregularities of the uterine wall and fallopian tube passages.

References:

Leiomyoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ . Updated May 22, 2012. Accessed August 16, 2012.

Uterine fibroids fact sheet. Womens Health.gov website. Available at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/uterine-fibroids.cfm . Updated May 13, 2008. Accessed August 16, 2012.


Last reviewed September 2012 by Andrea Chisholm

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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