How are fibroids diagnosed?
Most fibroids are diagnosed with a gynaecological examination and ultrasound. MRI is used when the number, position and tissue characteristics of fibroids need detailed mapping — particularly at the treatment-planning stage. Which tests you need is decided by your physician based on your findings.
First step: examination and ultrasound
Ultrasound is the first — and often sufficient — tool of fibroid assessment: it shows the fibroid’s presence, approximate size and general position. Abdominal and, where needed, transvaginal scanning complement each other.
When and why is MRI requested?
MRI provides the most detailed map when there are multiple fibroids, when position needs clarifying and when treatment is being planned. For heat-based treatments such as HIFU, MRI has particular weight: the fibroid’s tissue characteristics directly affect technical feasibility. If you already have a recent MRI, treatment assessment becomes significantly faster.
Other assessments
When bleeding dominates, evaluation of the cavity (saline-infusion sonography or hysteroscopy) may follow; blood counts are checked when anaemia is suspected. Rarely, unusual findings prompt further work-up — all guided by your physician’s clinical judgement.