ULTRASOUND
ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound imaging is based on the same principles involved in the sonar used by bats. During an exam, a sonographer moves a transducer over the part of the body to be imaged. The transducer functions as both a loudspeaker (to create the sounds) and a microphone (to record them). High-frequency sound waves reflect off internal structures (soft tissue, organs and blood flow), producing echoes that are processed into an image. Ultrasound imaging is one of the most widely used diagnostic procedures available. It provides a safe, noninvasive, and virtually painless means of observing soft tissue anatomy.
Our ultrasound system generates an advanced level of image quality to help your physician diagnose your condition with confidence. It may provide your doctor all the information needed to recommend a course of action, eliminating the need for other types of more complicated exams or exploratory surgery.
We have GE LOGIQ E9.
Special Instructions
You may be advised to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your exam. Other preparation depends on the type of examination you are scheduled for. For some exams, your doctor may instruct you not to eat or drink for as many as 12 hours before your appointment. For other exams, you may be asked to drink up to six glasses of water two hours prior and avoid urinating so that your bladder is full when the scan begins.
What to Expect
The technologist will assist you onto the examination table. At this time, a transmission gel will be applied to the area of your body that will be examined. A transducer will be moved slowly over the body part being imaged. You will not feel a thing except for the slight pressure and movement of the transducer. It is important that you remain still and relaxed during your procedure. Most exams take between 20-30 minutes.
Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy
An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy uses sound waves to help locate a lump or abnormality and remove a tissue sample for examination under a microscope. It is less invasive than surgical biopsy, leaves little to no scarring, and does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation.
An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy can be performed when a breast imaging exam shows an abnormality such as:
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a suspicious solid mass
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a distortion in the structure of the breast tissue
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an area of abnormal tissue change
Special Instructions
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined. You will be asked to wear a gown during the procedure. Prior to a needle biopsy, you should report to your doctor all medications that you are taking, including herbal supplements, and if you have any allergies, especially to anesthesia. Your physician may advise you to stop taking aspirin, blood thinners, or certain herbal supplements three to five days before your procedure to decrease your risk of bleeding. Also, inform your doctor about recent illnesses or other medical conditions. On the day of the biopsy, please avoid wearing deodorant, powders, or lotions on the breast. You must be accompanied by a family member, friend, or caregiver. If you are not feeling well or have a fever, please reschedule your biopsy to another day.
What to Expect
You will be positioned lying face-up on the examination table or turned slightly to the side. A local anesthetic will be injected into the skin and more deeply into the breast to numb it. Pressing the transducer to the breast, the sonographer or radiologist will locate the lesion.
A very small nick is made in the skin at the site where the biopsy needle is to be inserted. The radiologist, monitoring the lesion site with the ultrasound probe, will insert the needle and advance it directly into the mass. Tissue samples are then removed using the following method:
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Core needle biopsy: the automated mechanism is activated, moving the needle forward and filling the needle trough, or shallow receptacle, with 'cores' of breast tissue. The outer sheath instantly moves forward to cut the tissue and keep it in the trough. This process is repeated three to six times.
A pathologist examines the removed specimen and makes a final diagnosis. The radiologist will also evaluate the results of the biopsy to make sure that the pathology and image findings explain one another. In some instances, even if cancer is not diagnosed, surgical removal of the entire biopsy site and imaging abnormality may be recommended if the pathology does not match the imaging findings. The pathology report with the radiology report will be sent to the referring physician.
