I'm sorry you may have a fibroid, they can be really pesty! Do you have symptoms of a uterine fibroid? I had one removed in 05, along with a cystectomy. I was having awful pain and discomfort and when the doctor went in during surgery the fibroid was connected to my uterus and the pelvic wall. Mine was quite large, and so was the cyst. So no you can't always see, you need to have the lap done so that the doctor can go in and take a look.
Good luck.