Ultrasound is a common diagnostic and screening procedure where sound waves create images of the structures that help doctors find out what’s going on inside our bodies. In this blog, we are exploring the tests under ultrasound scan assesses our abdomen, kidneys, pelvis, thyroid, and the fetus when they’re growing. So, get ready to dive into the fascinating world of ultrasound tests, where each picture tells a secret about our body.
Abdominal Ultrasound Scan
Abdominal Ultrasound is performed to assess the structures and organs inside the abdomen. This indeed includes the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, spleen, abdominal aorta important blood vessels in your belly.
Obstetric Ultrasound Scan
When a baby is growing inside a mother’s belly, doctors use ultrasound to keep an eye on the baby’s growth and detect any abnormalities. It’s a safe, non-invasive and painless procedure to check on both the mother and the baby. Performed at all the trimesters of the pregnancy for various purposes.
- Determining the gestational age of the fetus
- Checking the baby’s position in the womb
- Identifying multiple gestations (twins, triplets, etc.)
- First-trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities
- Assisting procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) to check for fetal abnormalities.
- To find the fetal heartbeat
- Finding the cause of bleeding, if any
Ultrasound NT Scan
A NT (Nuchal Translucency) ultrasound is performed during the first trimester of pregnancy. It checks the amount of fluid behind the baby’s neck. NT scan is a screening test that helps to detect chromosomal abnormalities, cardiac defects and other genetic syndromes.
Pelvic Ultrasound
Pelvic ultrasound is the primary diagnostic procedure for identifying ovarian cancer. It particularly detects any unusual growths or cysts within the ovaries by examining the pelvic area.
Prostate Ultrasound
Prostate ultrasound evaluates the prostate gland in men and helps diagnose symptoms like urinary difficulties or elevated blood test results. Hence it provides insights into the size, shape, and texture of the prostate.
Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid ultrasound captures images of the thyroid gland, located in the neck. It evaluates thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, or any irregularities within the gland. Above all, it provides valuable information about the thyroid’s size and characteristics.
Venous Ultrasound
Venous ultrasound utilizes sound waves to create images of the body’s veins. It searches for blood clots, particularly in the leg veins, a condition often known as deep vein thrombosis.
Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy involves determining the biopsy site using ultrasound imaging to extract tissue for cancer biopsy.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Musculoskeletal ultrasound employs high-frequency sound waves to detect injuries or other pathological conditions of the musculoskeletal system.
Transrectal Ultrasound Study
A transrectal ultrasound scan (TRUS) is a procedure which examines the prostate gland using ultrasound. TRUS-guided biopsy procedure involves the collection of tissue samples from the prostate. This procedure is valuable for diagnosing prostate cancer.
Ultrasound Sono Mammo (Sonomammography)
Sonomammography is also a diagnostic procedure which is used to assess breast health and blood flow within the breast tissue. Particularly, Sonomammography aids in cancer screening and to detect other breast abnormalities. Further, it visualizes breast tissue while combined with mammography to detect masses or lumps.
Ultrasound for Skin
Skin ultrasound moderately lifts and tightens loose or sagging skin.
Doppler Ultrasound
Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to assess blood flow within the body’s blood vessels. The principle behind Doppler ultrasound is the Doppler effect, which involves the change in frequency of sound waves as they bounce off moving objects, such as red blood cells.
Ultrasound Follicular Study
A follicular study monitors the follicles within a woman’s ovaries. It consists of a series of scans to determine the timing of mature egg release and the thickening of the uterine walls. Besides this study uses transvaginal ultrasound which involves the insertion of a probe through the vagina.
Conclusion
Ultrasounds are like windows for doctors and provides valuable insights into various aspects of our bodies. From checking the growth of fetuses in expectant mothers to assessing organs and tissues, ultrasound scans therefore play a vital role in modern medicine. So, next time you hear the gentle hum of an ultrasound machine, know that it’s more than just a scan; it’s a gateway to understanding and safeguarding our health.
Book your ultrasound appointment at Aarthi Scans and Labs!