Uterine Fibroids

How is the condition diagnosed?

Fibroids are very common, especially in women older than 35 years of age. They rarely become malignant or cancerous. Fibroids that grow near the outer surface of the uterus can be felt as lumps during a pelvic exam. Fibroids growing in the lining of the uterus may be harder to detect during a pelvic exam.

The diagnosis can be confirmed by an ultrasound. Sometimes a dilation and curettage, or D & C, will be performed. This is a minor surgical procedure in which tissue is scraped from the inside of the uterus. A hysteroscopy, in which a fiberoptic tube is used to examine the inside of the uterus, may also be done. These procedures may be ordered to rule out other problems, such as uterine cancer or polyps.