Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids

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.

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Revision Information

• Reviewer: Andrea Chisholm
• Review Date: 09/2012
• Update Date: 00/91/2012