Can fibroids be seen during a Pap smear?

Often, uterine fibroids are first detected during your annual pelvic exam. Follow-up tests can provide more information, such as the type, size, and location of the fibroid and any affect on your uterus or surrounding organs.

How do they check for fibroids?

Ultrasound: Ultrasound is the most commonly used scan for fibroids. It uses sound waves to diagnose fibroids and involves frequencies (pitch) much higher than what you can hear. A doctor or technician places an ultrasound probe on the abdomen or inside the vagina to help scan the uterus and ovaries.

Can a gynecologist tell if you have fibroids?

Diagnosis of uterine fibroids Uterine fibroids can be diagnosed by your gynecologist or primary care doctor during a pelvic exam. During the pelvic exam, your doctor will evaluate the size, shape and overall health of your uterus.

Can you see fibroids during a pelvic exam?

Usually, fibroids are found during a routine gynecologic visit with a pelvic examination. A pelvic exam allows the doctor to feel the size and shape of the uterus; if it is enlarged or irregularly shaped, fibroids may be present. Or, you may notice new symptoms and inform your doctor.

What does a pap smear detect?

The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes.

What is the main cause of fibroids?

Causes of Uterine Fibroids Hormones and genetics might make you more likely to get them. Hormones. Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones that make the lining of your uterus thicken every month during your period. They also seem to affect fibroid growth.

What will a gynecologist do for fibroids?

Very often, fibroids can be treated by key-hole surgery. If the fibroids are encroaching into the uterine cavity, they can be easily resected (hysteroscopic resection). Laparoscopic myomectomy is suitable for fibroids up to 10cm in size and usually 1-3 fibroids can be removed in one key-hole procedure.

Can you feel fibroids during a pelvic exam?

Sometimes fibroids can be felt during a pelvic exam, depending on their size and location. During the pelvic exam, your doctor checks for an enlarged uterus and lumps on the uterine wall, which can indicate fibroids.

What is the best test for fibroids?

Ultrasound is the standard imaging technique for detecting uterine fibroids. The doctor will order transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds. Ultrasound is a painless technique, which uses sound waves to image the uterus and ovaries.

What does it mean when your Pap smear shows inflammation?

Inflammation. If inflammation (redness) is present in the cells on the Pap smear, it means that some white blood cells were seen on your Pap smear. Inflammation of the cervix is common and usually does not mean there is a problem.