Making a Diagnosis
Fibroids are usually first detected during a pelvic
examination. In one-third to one-half of cases,
a woman has described fibroid symptoms to the
physician. Manually, the doctor is able to feel
whether the uterus is enlarged and irregular in
shape, which can signify the presence of fibroids.
When fibroids are suspected during a pelvic exam,
the next step is confirming this diagnosis with
imaging tools, such as ultrasound. This helps
rule out the possibility of a more serious condition
such as ovarian cancer.
Confirming a diagnosis
The most common and accurate way to confirm the
diagnosis of fibroids is through an ultrasound
exam. In this safe and painless procedure, sound
waves create an internal image of the body. When
a wand moves over the body's surface, the image
is transmitted to a television monitor.
Sometimes, more advanced imaging tools, such
as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed
Tomography scans (CT scans), are used to confirm
a diagnosis of fibroids.
Diagnostic hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy allows the doctor to see inside
the uterus through a thin telescope. Through the
scope, she can see the fibroids or other growths
or abnormalities that could cause symptoms. Hysteroscopy
is particularly useful for examining submucosal
fibroids, the type most commonly associated with
abnormal uterine bleeding.
|
