Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids

Diagnostic Tests

Your doctor may do a routine pelvic exam. Most significant fibroids are discovered during a routine pelvic exam. If symptoms such as heavy bleeding are present, then further evaluation with imaging tests may be needed to check for fibroids.

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 scan —This test 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 view 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.