Ultrasound

Ultrasound is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of tissues and organs. It does not use ionizing radiation and can be repeated when clinically needed.

In cancer care, ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate abnormalities in the thyroid, breast, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and superficial lymph nodes. It can also guide procedures such as needle biopsies and fluid drainage. In patients with blood cancers, ultrasound may be used to assess lymph nodes, the liver and spleen, and selected sites of organ involvement.

In blood cancer and solid tumor care, ultrasound is often used to detect or further evaluate masses, nodules, enlarged lymph nodes, and other abnormalities.

For patients with a confirmed cancer diagnosis, ultrasound may also be used to monitor changes in selected lesions, assess abdominal organs such as the liver, and support follow-up after treatment.

When tissue is needed for a pathological diagnosis, ultrasound can guide a needle biopsy in real time, helping improve sampling accuracy while avoiding nearby blood vessels and other important structures.

Most ultrasound examinations require little preparation, although abdominal or pelvic ultrasound may require fasting, drinking water, or having a full bladder. Patients should follow the instructions provided before the examination.

During the test, gel is applied to the skin and an ultrasound probe is moved over the area being examined. Images are produced in real time so the clinician can evaluate the organs and any abnormalities. A standard ultrasound is usually painless and does not require anesthesia.

For an ultrasound-guided biopsy, additional preparation such as skin disinfection and local anesthesia may be required.

Ultrasound has several advantages, including real-time imaging, no ionizing radiation, and a noninvasive examination process. However, ultrasound alone usually cannot determine whether a lesion is cancerous and does not replace tissue pathology when a definitive diagnosis is needed.

Image quality can also be affected by the location of the lesion, body size, and bowel gas. CT, MRI, PET-CT, or other imaging studies may be needed to evaluate the lungs, bones, deeper structures, or the overall extent of cancer.

For this reason, ultrasound findings are usually interpreted together with pathology, laboratory tests, and other imaging studies as part of the overall cancer evaluation.