Uterine Fibroids (Diagnosis)

How to diagnose fibroids?

Ultrasound

• It is easiest, cheap and convenient method.

• It may be done trans-abdominally (probe of kept on the tummy) or transvaginal (thin cylindrical probe is introduced through vagina).

• Captures images of uterus, the ovaries and the surrounding structures.

• Helps to see other complications like back pressure on the kidneys causing them to swell up.

MRI

• Pelvic MRI scan is planned for detail examination

• Provides better estimation of size and location

• Helps understand changes/ degeneration better

• Provides details about changes seen in adjacent structures

Diagnostic laparoscopy

• Helps to see inside of the abdominal cavity (uterus, ovaries and other pelvic structures) through a small cut on abdomen.

• A tube with camera and light at one end is passed through the cut to visualize the structures.

• Its an invasive surgical procedure and requiresusage of anesthesia hence the procedure is avoided.

Diagnostic hysteroscopy

• Skillful and time consuming procedure

• Requires a trained health professional

• A long thin tube with a light is passed via the vagina and cervix into the uterus.

• The hysteroscope helps in detecting submucosal fibroid and their resection.

There are some other investigations like Hysterosalpingography and sono-hysterography but because of time consuming and associated complications the procedures are not performed routinely.