Ultrasound is one of the most common diagnostic imaging tests used to examine organs, soft tissues, blood flow, and other structures inside the body. It is noninvasive, does not use ionizing radiation, and can provide real-time images that help doctors evaluate a wide range of medical conditions.

If your healthcare provider has ordered an ultrasound, you may wonder what an ultrasound can detect, why it is being recommended, and what to expect during the exam.

Ultrasound imaging can be used for many different purposes, including evaluating abdominal pain, monitoring pregnancy, checking blood vessels, examining the thyroid, assessing soft tissue abnormalities, and guiding certain medical procedures.

What Is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound, also called sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures inside the body.

During the exam, a technologist places a small handheld device called a transducer on the skin. The transducer sends sound waves into the body and receives the echoes that return.

A computer processes those echoes to create images that can be viewed in real time.

Unlike X-rays and CT scans, ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation.

What Can an Ultrasound Detect?

Ultrasound can help doctors evaluate many organs, tissues, and medical conditions.

Depending on the type of ultrasound ordered, it may be used to detect or evaluate:

• Gallstones
• Kidney stones
• Liver abnormalities
• Cysts
• Certain tumors or masses
• Thyroid nodules
• Blood clots
• Enlarged organs
• Fluid buildup
• Soft tissue abnormalities
• Problems with blood flow
• Pregnancy-related conditions
• Certain reproductive system conditions

Ultrasound is often used as an initial diagnostic imaging test because it can provide useful information without exposing patients to radiation.

Why Would a Doctor Order an Ultrasound?

Doctors order ultrasounds for many different reasons.

An ultrasound may be recommended when a patient has symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Pelvic pain
• Swelling
• Unexplained lumps
• Changes in blood flow
• Thyroid abnormalities
• Urinary symptoms
• Pregnancy-related concerns
• Pain in soft tissues
• Suspected gallbladder problems

The exact type of ultrasound depends on the symptoms and the area of the body being examined.

What Can an Abdominal Ultrasound Detect?

An abdominal ultrasound is used to examine organs and structures in the abdomen.

It may be used to evaluate the:

• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Kidneys
• Pancreas
• Spleen
• Aorta

Doctors may order an abdominal ultrasound to investigate abdominal pain, swelling, abnormal blood tests, or other symptoms.

Can an Ultrasound Detect Gallstones?

Yes. Ultrasound is commonly used to detect gallstones.

Gallstones are hardened deposits that can form inside the gallbladder. They may cause symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, nausea, or discomfort after eating.

An ultrasound can help identify gallstones and evaluate the gallbladder for inflammation or other abnormalities.

Can an Ultrasound Detect Kidney Stones?

Ultrasound can sometimes detect kidney stones and may also help identify signs of urinary obstruction.

However, the visibility of kidney stones can depend on their size and location.

In some situations, a CT scan may be recommended if additional detail is needed.

Your healthcare provider will determine which imaging test is most appropriate based on your symptoms.

Can an Ultrasound Detect Liver Problems?

Ultrasound can provide information about the size, shape, and appearance of the liver.

It may help doctors identify:

• Fatty changes
• Cysts
• Certain masses
• Enlargement
• Changes in liver structure

If an abnormality is found, your healthcare provider may recommend additional imaging or laboratory tests.

Can an Ultrasound Detect Tumors?

Ultrasound can detect certain masses or abnormal growths, but it cannot always determine whether a mass is cancerous.

It may help doctors evaluate the:

• Size
• Shape
• Location
• Internal characteristics

of a mass or lump.

Additional imaging, such as MRI or CT, or a biopsy may be recommended if more information is needed.

Can an Ultrasound Detect Cysts?

Yes. Ultrasound is commonly used to identify cysts.

Because ultrasound can help distinguish between fluid-filled and solid structures, it is useful for evaluating many types of lumps or abnormalities.

Cysts may be found in areas such as the:

• Kidneys
• Liver
• Ovaries
• Breasts
• Thyroid
• Soft tissues

The significance of a cyst depends on its location, size, and appearance.

What Can a Pelvic Ultrasound Detect?

A pelvic ultrasound examines organs and structures in the lower abdomen and pelvis.

In women, it may be used to evaluate the:

• Uterus
• Ovaries
• Endometrium
• Bladder

A pelvic ultrasound may help identify:

• Ovarian cysts
• Fibroids
• Pelvic masses
• Abnormal bleeding causes
• Certain reproductive health conditions

In men, ultrasound may also be used to examine structures such as the bladder or prostate, depending on the type of exam.

Can an Ultrasound Detect Ovarian Cysts?

Yes. Ultrasound is one of the most common imaging tests used to evaluate ovarian cysts.

It can help determine the size, location, and appearance of a cyst.

Your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up imaging depending on the findings and your symptoms.

Can an Ultrasound Detect Fibroids?

Ultrasound can help identify uterine fibroids.

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus.

An ultrasound can provide information about their:

• Size
• Number
• Location

Doctors may order a pelvic ultrasound if a patient has heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, or other related symptoms.

What Can a Thyroid Ultrasound Detect?

A thyroid ultrasound is used to examine the thyroid gland in the neck.

It may help detect:

• Thyroid nodules
• Cysts
• Enlargement
• Changes in thyroid tissue

Ultrasound can also help doctors determine whether a thyroid nodule is solid or fluid-filled.

If a nodule requires further evaluation, ultrasound may be used to guide a biopsy.

Can an Ultrasound Detect Blood Clots?

A special type of ultrasound called Doppler ultrasound can help evaluate blood flow through arteries and veins.

It is commonly used to look for blood clots, particularly in the legs.

A Doppler ultrasound may be ordered if a patient has symptoms such as:

• Leg swelling
• Pain
• Redness
• Warmth
• Sudden changes in circulation

Blood clots can be serious, so symptoms should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare provider.

What Is a Doppler Ultrasound?

A Doppler ultrasound evaluates the movement of blood through blood vessels.

It can help doctors assess:

• Blood flow
• Narrowed arteries
• Blockages
• Blood clots
• Circulation problems

Doppler ultrasound may be used to examine blood flow in the legs, neck, abdomen, or other parts of the body.

Can an Ultrasound Detect Heart Problems?

Ultrasound technology is also used to examine the heart.

An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound that creates images of the heart and its movement.

It can help evaluate:

• Heart valves
• Heart chamber size
• Heart muscle movement
• Blood flow through the heart

Echocardiography is typically performed as part of specialized cardiac imaging.

Can an Ultrasound Detect Pregnancy?

Yes. Ultrasound is commonly used during pregnancy to evaluate fetal development and other pregnancy-related factors.

Pregnancy ultrasound may be used to:

• Confirm a pregnancy
• Estimate gestational age
• Monitor fetal growth
• Evaluate fetal movement
• Check the placenta
• Assess the amount of amniotic fluid

The type and timing of pregnancy ultrasound depend on the individual patient and healthcare provider recommendations.

Can an Ultrasound Detect Breast Abnormalities?

Breast ultrasound can be used to evaluate certain breast lumps or abnormalities.

It may help determine whether a lump is:

• Solid
• Fluid-filled
• A combination of both

Breast ultrasound may be used alongside mammography or other imaging depending on the patient’s age, symptoms, and medical history.

Can an Ultrasound Detect Appendicitis?

Ultrasound may be used to evaluate suspected appendicitis, particularly in certain patients.

However, the appendix is not always easy to visualize with ultrasound.

If the results are unclear, a CT scan or other imaging test may be recommended.

Can an Ultrasound Detect Inflammation?

Ultrasound can sometimes show signs of inflammation, swelling, or fluid accumulation.

It may be used to evaluate conditions involving:

• Tendons
• Muscles
• Joints
• Soft tissues
• Internal organs

The usefulness of ultrasound depends on the area being examined and the suspected condition.

Ultrasound for Soft Tissue Lumps

Ultrasound is frequently used to evaluate lumps that are located close to the skin.

It can help doctors determine whether a lump may be:

• A cyst
• A solid mass
• A fluid collection
• Another type of soft tissue abnormality

Additional tests may be needed depending on the ultrasound findings.

Ultrasound-Guided Procedures

Ultrasound is not only used for diagnosis. It can also help guide certain medical procedures.

Because the images are produced in real time, ultrasound can help physicians accurately position a needle or other instrument.

Ultrasound guidance may be used for:

• Biopsies
• Aspirations
• Fluid drainage
• Certain injections

This can help improve precision during minimally invasive procedures.

How Do You Prepare for an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound preparation depends on the type of exam being performed.

For some abdominal ultrasounds, you may be asked not to eat for several hours before the procedure.

For certain pelvic ultrasounds, you may be asked to drink water and arrive with a full bladder.

Other ultrasound exams require little or no preparation.

Always follow the instructions provided by your imaging center.

What Happens During an Ultrasound?

During an ultrasound, you will usually lie on an examination table.

The technologist applies a small amount of gel to the skin over the area being examined. This gel helps the sound waves travel between the transducer and your body.

The technologist then moves the transducer over the skin while images appear on a monitor.

You may be asked to:

• Change positions
• Take a deep breath
• Hold your breath briefly
• Remain still

Most ultrasound examinations are painless and relatively quick.

How Long Does an Ultrasound Take?

Many ultrasound exams take approximately 20 to 45 minutes.

The exact time depends on:

• The type of ultrasound
• The area being examined
• The number of images needed
• Whether Doppler imaging is required
• The complexity of the examination

Your imaging center can provide a more specific estimate for your appointment.

Are Ultrasounds Safe?

Diagnostic ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation.

It has been widely used in medical imaging for many years, including during pregnancy.

As with any medical procedure, ultrasound should be performed when medically appropriate and interpreted by qualified healthcare professionals.

Ultrasound vs. CT Scan

Ultrasound and CT scans are both useful diagnostic imaging tests, but they work differently.

Ultrasound uses sound waves, while CT scans use X-rays.

Ultrasound is often useful for evaluating soft tissues, blood flow, the gallbladder, thyroid, reproductive organs, and certain abdominal conditions.

CT scans may provide more detailed images of certain internal structures and are often used when broader or more detailed cross-sectional imaging is required.

Your doctor will choose the test that best matches your symptoms.

Ultrasound vs. MRI

Both ultrasound and MRI avoid ionizing radiation.

Ultrasound is generally faster and can provide real-time imaging, while MRI often produces more detailed images of deeper soft tissues and complex structures.

The right imaging test depends on the area being examined and the medical question your doctor needs to answer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ultrasound

Can an ultrasound detect cancer?

Ultrasound can identify certain masses or abnormalities, but it usually cannot confirm cancer by itself. Additional imaging or a biopsy may be needed.

Can an ultrasound detect a tumor?

Yes, ultrasound can identify some tumors or masses and provide information about their size, location, and characteristics.

Can ultrasound detect kidney stones?

It can detect some kidney stones and signs of urinary obstruction, although another imaging test may sometimes be needed.

Can an ultrasound detect blood clots?

Doppler ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate blood flow and detect certain blood clots.

Does an ultrasound hurt?

Most ultrasound exams are painless. You may feel mild pressure as the transducer moves over the area being examined.

How quickly do you get ultrasound results?

A radiologist typically reviews the images and prepares a report for the healthcare provider who ordered the exam. The exact timing of results varies by facility and urgency.

Schedule an Ultrasound in El Paso, TX

Ultrasound imaging can help doctors evaluate many different parts of the body, from internal organs and blood vessels to soft tissues and certain masses.

The reason your doctor orders an ultrasound will depend on your symptoms and the information needed to make a diagnosis or determine the next step in your care.

Professional Radiology provides ultrasound services in El Paso, TX, along with additional diagnostic imaging services for patients and referring healthcare providers.

If your doctor has ordered an ultrasound in El Paso, contact Professional Radiology to learn more about scheduling your exam and how to prepare for your appointment.