As another example of how ultrasound scanning detects abnormalities, solid masses (such as tumors), give off strong echoes and show up bright on ultrasound images. Tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that form when cells in a certain area of the body reproduce at an increased rate.

In some cases, the transducer may need to be inserted inside the vagina or rectum. The former allows for a more detailed inspection of the uterus and fetus, especially during the very early stages of pregnancy. The latter is very helpful for assessing the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a organ near the bladder that produces a fluid that is part of semen. Semen is a fluid that is discharged from a male's penis in order to reproduce with a female.

WHY IS ULTRASOUND SCANNING PERFORMED?

Ultrasound scanning is used for assessment, diagnosis, and screening of numerous potential abnormalities. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. As an example of assessment, ultrasound scanning is performed periodically during pregnancy to determine whether normal development is occurring. Multiple pregnancies can be detected with ultrasound scanning. Ultrasound scanning is used to determine the position, size, and age of the fetus (an unborn living being). Ultrasound scanning is also used to determine the location of the placenta. The placenta is an organ in a female that nourishes a baby during pregnancy.

If an ultrasound is being performed in the early stage of a woman’s pregnancy, she will need to drink several glasses of water about an hour before the scan. The reason for this is to make the bladder full because this allows the uterus and fetus to be seen better. The uterus is a hollow organ in a female's body where the egg is implanted and the baby develops. The woman will also be asked not to urinate for about an hour before the scan.

As an example of how the technique aids in diagnosis, ultrasound scanning of breast tissue is often performed to determine if there are any abnormalities such as cancer or cysts. A cyst is an abnormal lump, swelling, or sac that contains fluid, a part solid material, or a gas, and is covered with a membrane. A membrane is a thin layer of flexible tissue that covers something. Ultrasound scanning can be used as a guide to assist in outpatient procedures such as the insertion of small catheters to drain infections. A catheter is a flexible, hollow tube that is inserted into an opening or blood vessel in the body, with the main purpose of allowing fluid to pass from or into these areas.

Ultrasound scanning can also be used as a guide to help with biopsies of tumors which are done by inserting a thin needle into them. A biopsy is the process of removing living tissue or cells from organs or other body parts of patients for examination under a microscope or in a culture to help make a diagnosis, follow the course of a disease, or estimate a prognosis.

WHAT BODY PARTS ARE COMMONLY ASSESSED WITH ULTRASOUND SCANNING?

In children and adults, body parts commonly examined with ultrasound scanning include the spleen, kidneys, and liver. The spleen is an organ next to the stomach that helps fight infection and removes and destroys worn-out red blood cells. Red blood cells are cells that help carry oxygen in the blood. The kidneys are two organs located on each side of the spine, behind the stomach. The kidneys filter (remove) wastes from the blood. The liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for filtering harmful chemical substances, producing important chemicals for the body, and other important functions.

In females, the pelvis is commonly examined with ultrasound scanning. The pelvis is a massive bone made of hip bones on each side and the front, while the back part is made of the sacrumand the coccyx (also known as the tailbone). The sacrum is a large triangle shaped bone in the lower part of the spine. The coccyx is a beaked shaped bone that makes up part of the back of the pelvis.

As opposed to children, adults are more likely to have the following body parts assessed with ultrasound scanning: breasts, testicles, uterus, prostate, thyroid, gallbladder, ovaries, parathyroid glands, arteries, and veins. A description of some of the more unfamiliar body parts follows. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in front of the neck that produces a natural chemical known as hormones that affect virtually every cell in the body and many functions such as disease fighting, heart rate, energy level, and skin condition.

The gallbladder is a small, pear shaped sac, located under the liver, which helps store and transport bile to the first part of the small intestine (known as the duodenum). Bile is a bitter, yellow-green substance released from the liver that carries away waste products. The small intestine is the part of the digestive system that takes in all of the nutrients (healthy substances) that the body needs. Ovaries are organs in the female body that normally produce eggs.

The paratrhyroid glands are four small glands located on either side of the thyroid gland which regulate the level of calcium in the blood. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. Veins are blood vessels that carry blood to the heart. Assessing whether arteries that supply blood to the brain are too narrow is a way ultrasound scanning is used to determine the risk of developing stroke. A stroke is a burst artery or a blockage of an artery in the brain.

IS THERE RADIATION IN ULTRASOUND SCANNING?

No. Ultrasound scanning does not involve exposure to radiation, like x-rays do. For this reason, the technique is considered very safe and is why it is often used to assess pregnant women.

IS ULTRASOUND SCANNING PAINFUL?

No. Ultrasound scanning is essentially pain-free.

IS ANY SPECIAL CARE REQUIRED AFTER ULTRASOUND SCANNING?

No. Ultrasound scanning does not require any special care afterwards.

WHO ACTUALLY PERFORMS ULTRASOUND SCANNING?

Ultrasound scanning is usually performed by a healthcare professional known as a sonographer. Sonographers are specifically trained in ultrasound scanning. Physicians who are properly trained can also perform ultrasounds.

WHAT ELSE IS ULTRASOUND SCANNING KNOWN AS?

Ultrasound scanning is also known as sonography, echography, and ultrasonography.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE TERM, ULTRASOUND?

Ultrasound comes from the Latin word "ultra" meaning "beyond," and the Latin word "sonus" meaning "sound." Put the words together and you get "beyond sound."