Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, is a method of "seeing" inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and bladder. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs. Many parents see the first "picture" of their unborn child with ultrasound examinations of the fetus.

Physicians use ultrasound to evaluate breast abnormalities that have been found with screening or diagnostic mammography or during a clinical breast exam. Ultrasound may help detect some breast masses and is the best way to determine whether a cyst is present without placing a needle into the area of concern to aspirate fluid.