There are a number of ways that fibroids are diagnosed. First of all, you may have some of the typical symptoms we associate with fibroids. If they are large, it may be obvious when your are examined, and a "lump" is found in the lower abdomen. Smaller fibroids may be detected when you are having an internal examination, for instance at the time of a cervical smear.

When fibroids are suspected, one or more special investigations can be done to confirm the diagnosis. These include:

Of these, ultrasound and hysteroscopy are the most common investigations, and the others are only done in special circumstances. Which ever test is organised for you, the diagnosis should be obvious. The tests will give your doctor an idea of how many fibroids there are, how large they are, and where they are situated.

Classification of uterine fibroids

Most fibroids arise from either the outside of the uterus (subserosal), in the wall (intramural) or under the womb lining (submucous). Much less often, they are situated in the cervix.

Very rarely, fibroids can be found in the abdominal cavity separate from the uterus (parasitic fibroid).