How is ultrasound done that can detect stones, tumors and cancer?

 How is ultrasound done that can detect stones, tumors and cancer?

You must have heard that women do a lot of ultrasound during pregnancy. How many women have had an ultrasound when they were pregnant? Many may think that ultrasound during pregnancy is only necessary to stay informed about the development of the unborn child.

But that is definitely not the case, ultrasound is such a cutting-edge technology, which plays an important role not only in pregnancy but also in examining the overall condition of the body to detect problems.

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a painless test method using electrical waves. Ultrasound is also known as 'sonography' and 'ultra sonography'. Ultrasound uses high-frequency electrical sound waves to take real pictures and videos of body parts.

With the help of this device, the internal organs, soft tissues, cells and blood vessels in the body can be clearly seen through pictures and videos without any surgery. It does not use any radiation that affects the body.

How does ultrasound work?

During the ultrasound, the radiologist can observe the inside of the body using a device (transducer). First, a little gel is applied to the skin. So that the ultrasound waves move easily from one tissue to another. Through that device, the electric sound wave reaches the body tissue, but the sound cannot be heard.

As sound waves travel through water, they reach the internal structures of the body. Which is followed by a computer connected to the ultrasound machine and shows the signal of that wave on its screen in a picture or video.

When is the ultrasound done?

- To find out if you are pregnant

- To observe the condition of the fetus during pregnancy

- To see if there is one or more embryos

- To find out how long the pregnancy has been and to determine the period after which the delivery will be made

- To detect the position of the fetus

- To see the state of fetal movement and heart rate

- To detect genetic problems and other fetal brain, spinal cord and heart problems

- To observe the amount of water in the umbilical cord.

Obstetricians and Gynecologists advise to do an ultrasound at 20 weeks of pregnancy. The test done during that period helps to see the development of the fetus and identify the gender. However, there is a provision that gender identity cannot be disclosed. If there is something suspicious about the fetus, more scans can be done.

to detect disease

Ultrasound is used to identify problems in any part of the body or when it is not working properly. With its help, it helps to detect unexplained pain, surface and internal lumps for no reason.

In some cases, ultrasound is used to find the main cause of chest problems and abdominal pain. With this technique, the shape, location, texture of the kidney is observed. The condition of the urinary bladder and the uterus, which are connected with the kidneys, can also be seen. With its help, it can be detected that there is growth of flesh in and around the kidney, tumor and infection.

It is seen whether there are lumps and flesh in the breast, if so, what is the size, how many are normal and abnormal. This device is also used to observe the flow of blood in the arteries and veins, to know the condition of the heart. Which is also called Doppler ultrasound.

Similarly, the condition of the organs from the lower abdomen is also tested. In which the state of the bladder, testicles, anus, uterus and vagina can be understood.

How much is the thyroid? A thyroid ultrasound is done to find out if there is any kind of lump. It is also used to take some samples. For example, to take a small amount of fluid for samples from joints, muscles, lumps of meat, soft tissue, liver, kidney and testicles, the help of ultrasound should also be taken. In this case, with the help of ultrasound, liquid is extracted from the relevant part by looking at the organ.

Who does the ultrasound?

This test is done by skilled radiologists. However, the quality of the test may be affected if the test is conducted due to lack of efficiency. Therefore, it is advisable to get the test done only by a radiologist who has knowledge and experience in radiology.

What should be prepared for ultrasound? How is it done?

During the ultrasound, you have to prepare according to the type of problem. Some ultrasounds do not require any preparation. During the waist test during pregnancy, you have to drink water because you have to fill your bladder.

Do not drink or eat anything except water a few hours before the stomach examination.

During an ultrasound

A hospital gown is worn before the ultrasound. Then you have to sleep on a table. The technician applies gel to the part to be tested and moves the device slowly from the outside. The gel does not harm the skin and clothes.

The technician may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds. It helps to take a clear picture. After the technician takes the picture, the gel can be wiped off. This process may take up to 30 minutes.

What kind of problem can be detected by ultrasound?

Abnormal tumor development, cancer, blood clots, development of a child outside the uterus, gall bladder and kidney stones and gall bladder swelling can be detected by ultrasound. Also, varicocele (problems in the testicles of men), any growths in the uterus. Ultrasound is also good at identifying the abnormal cervix.

Can ultrasound be painful?

There is no pain as the ultrasound is taken from outside the skin. You should not even listen to the sound of any jarring device. But since the device has to be placed inside the anus and genitals, it can be uncomfortable even if there is no pain.

How safe is this test?

This test is considered safe as no harmful side-effects are seen. It does not have any kind of radiation. However, it is advisable to get this service only from a skilled expert.

How much is the fee?

Fees are charged according to which part of the body the ultrasound is performed on. Generally, a fee of Rs 500 for abdominal examination to Rs 5,000 for complex tests like Doppler may be charged. However, government and private hospitals set fees in their own way.

When will the result come?

It doesn't take long to get the report after the ultrasound. The results of the test will come in a short time. But if something is suspicious, the team of radiologists and related doctors may have to analyze it. So it may take some time.