Ultrasound is a radiology imaging technology that uses sound waves to distinguish normal from abnormal findings or conditions within the body. Ultrasound waves excel in evaluating fluid-filled organs.
Imaging is performed by a technologist who gently moves a wand over the body part to generate sound waves. These sound waves are converted to images (pictures) which a specialized radiologist interprets.
If your doctor detects a mass on your breast examination or if you complain of a breast lump, an ultrasound may be ordered. A breast ultrasound may also be requested after an abnormal mammogram to get a âcloser lookâ at a particular area. The technologist or the radiologist will perform the imaging and will review the results with you at the time of the study. Ultrasound helps to determine if the finding is a benign process such as a cyst or a suspicious lesion that requires additional evaluation. Ultrasound may also be recommended if you have dense tissue or a family history of breast cancer.
Your doctor may order a thyroid ultrasound to evaluate any physical changes of the thyroid gland such as enlargement or difficulty swallowing. A thyroid ultrasound shows cysts or masses in the thyroid. These are common, and most imaging findings in the thyroid are benign (non-cancerous). If a suspicious nodule is identified, a biopsy may be performed to exclude malignancy (cancer).
A pelvic ultrasound may be performed to get a detailed look at the pelvic organs including the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The bladder is also considered part of the pelvic space. Ultrasound of the pelvis excels at evaluating solid or fluid-filled organs but is not optimal for evaluating gas-filled organs such as the bowel. Ultrasound is a primary imaging exam doctors can use to evaluate a finding detected on your clinical examination or a symptom you might have.
Ultrasound can be used to produce detailed images of the abdominal organs including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen. Although some gas-filled organs including the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine are considered part of the abdomen anatomically, abdominal ultrasound is not optimal to evaluate these organs. An ultrasound scan of the abdomen can help identify conditions such as an enlarged liver or gallstones.