Ultrasound procedures are a common diagnostic tool which uses penetrating sound wave technology to produce images of the interior of the human body. In detecting cancerous lumps, an ultrasound is generally a complementary diagnostic tool alongside an additional scanning method, such as MRI.
Ultrasound procedures can serve as excellent primary diagnostic tools. In the case of the kidneys, for example, an ultrasound examination can identify kidney stones, obstructions, and possible tumors. Ultrasound technology is best utilised for determining structural changes to an organ or region of the body. Ultrasounds detect internal masses and can provide information about the quality of these masses. For instance, in a breast ultrasound, the scan helps to pinpoint differences in masses in the breast, distinguishing whether a lump is a fluid-filled cyst (more often benign) or a solid mass (potentially cancerous). The ultrasound provides an initial picture of a mass, indicating whether or not further diagnostic procedures, such as a tissue biopsy, will be necessary.
Breast ultrasound is a common type of ultrasound procedure. Typically, a breast ultrasound is ordered as a result of a lump discovered in the breast during a routine examination or a mammogram. Ultrasound is the next step, as it is a noninvasive procedure which allows doctors a detailed image of the internal tissue structures. An ultrasound can be especially useful alongside a mammogram, as the ultrasound can assist the radiologist in interpreting the results of the mammogram. In a mammogram procedure, both cystic masses and solid masses (potentially malignant) have a similar appearance. Using ultrasound procedures, the radiologist can investigate this mass of dense tissue more closely and with varying detail, helping determine the quality of the mass.
Most clinical diagnoses require multiple diagnostic tools and procedures to help determine an illness or abnormality. While ultrasound itself cannot diagnose cancerous lumps, when used alongside other technologies, it is an invaluable tool in aiding a diagnosis.
Can you see malignant on ultrasound?
Ultrasound can usually help differentiate between benign and malignant tumours based on shape, location, and a number of other sonographic characteristics. If the ultrasound is inconclusive, your doctor may request follow-up ultrasound to monitor the tumor or a radiologist may recommend a biopsy.
Can you tell if a lump is benign from an ultrasound?
Bumps that are cancerous are typically large, hard, painless to the touch and appear spontaneously. The mass will grow in size steadily over the weeks and months. Cancerous lumps that can be felt from the outside of your body can appear in the breast, testicle, or neck, but also in the arms and legs.
