If you or your doctor suspects that you have fibroids, a series of tests must be performed to diagnose the presence of fibroids. Typically, the first step would be to order a sonogram, which captures an image of your uterus to confirm the diagnosis and to map and measure fibroids. While some doctors find that a sonogram is conclusive enough to decide on a treatment plan, most doctors order additional tests to provide the best assessment possible of your fibroids and condition.
Here’s an overview of what you can expect during a fibroid screening at Viva Eve:
First visit
When you come in for your first visit, you’ll meet with one of our fibroid experts to discuss your unique fibroids case and treatment options. If you haven’t had an ultrasound to confirm the presence of fibroids yet, an ultrasound will be performed. Once you receive confirmation of your fibroids, together, you’ll begin to explore the possible treatment options.
Before moving onto the treatment stage, our doctors require a few more checks along the way to get the most conclusive reading of your fibroids. Based on the results of your additional diagnostic tests, certain treatments might get ruled out based on the positioning of your fibroids or their state of growth. Getting a closer read on your fibroids is important before treatment is underway.
MRI
An MRI is the standard imaging tool used by interventional radiologists to determine the number of fibroids present, the sizes of the fibroids, and the position of each fibroid. An MRI can help determine if your fibroids are viable for treatment nonsurgically, and identify which treatments are best suited for you. We provide you with a referral to an exemplary facility that we have a strong working relationship with in order to make the MRI process as simple as possible.
Pap Smear
You’ve most likely had a Pap smear, which is a quick screening test that removes cells from your cervix to check for abnormalities. If you’ve recently had a pap smear, we can request those medical records from your doctor’s office. If not, we can perform a Pap smear on you the day of your appointment.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a diagnostic technique that can reliably distinguish between cancer and a fibroid when used in combination with MRI. 30% of hysterectomies are performed because of fibroids, however, it’s believed that the number should be lower based on whether cancerous tumors are actually confirmed or not. This test is not always ordered, but if it is, it will be instrumental in ensuring you are not misdiagnosed.
Meeting your fibroid specialist
After you’ve completed all the preliminary testing, our patient care team will prepare your chart and you’ll meet with one of our fibroid specialists. That could be an Interventional Radiologist or a Gynecologic Surgeon. They will review your record, including your medical history, Pap smear, and MRI, and speak to you about your options. If you’re a viable candidate for UFE, the doctor will speak to you about the risks and benefits of UFE compared to more traditional options.
Deciding on your treatment plan
After being informed about your treatment options, you can then decide on your treatment plan. If you’re interested if undergoing the UFE procedure, your specialist will approve the decision and our patient care team will schedule you for a date and time. If you’d like to move forward with a different option, such as surgery, we can help book you for that procedure, too.
Our team works with you to help you through the testing phase, making it as convenient as possible for you to be approved for treatment.
