Ultrasound

Ultrasound, also called sonography or diagnostic medical sonography, is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within the body. Most ultrasound examinations are done using a sonar device (transducer) outside the body with gel, though some ultrasound examinations involve placing the transducer inside the body.

Ultrasound is used for a variety of reasons, including to:

• View the uterus and ovaries of a pregnant woman and assess her fetus
• Diagnose gallbladder disease
• Evaluate flow in blood vessels
• Guide a needle for biopsy or tumor treatment
• Evaluate a breast lump
• Check a thyroid gland
• Diagnose some cancers
• Reveal genital and prostate abnormalities