Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of the inside of a person’s body. It can be used to detect many different diseases, including heart problems, kidney stones, and gallstones. This article will outline diseases that can be detected by ultrasound.
Gallbladder disease
Ultrasound is a vital tool for diagnosing and monitoring gallbladder conditions such as cholecystitis (inflammation) and gallstones. It can also be used to diagnose choledocholithiasis, which is the presence of gallstones in the common bile duct (the tube that takes digestive juices from the liver and gallbladder into your duodenum). It does so by demonstrating the size, shape, and number of stones in the bile duct.
Breast lump
An ultrasound can be used to detect the size, shape, and density of a breast lump. It can also tell if there is fluid within or around the lump. Depending on your age, medical history, and personal preference, you may be able to have this test done by your own doctor instead of visiting a specialist.
Genital and prostate problems
Ultrasound is often used to monitor the effects of an enlarged prostate gland on the bladder and urethra. An ultrasound can also be helpful in diagnosing testicular problems, such as non-cancerous tumors or cysts. This type of imaging is also used in men with fertility issues because it can identify blockages in the ejaculatory ducts that prevent sperm from being released when needed.
Joint inflammation (synovitis)
Doctors can often make a diagnosis of joint inflammation by listening to the sounds your joints make with a stethoscope. If they suspect that you have an infection in a particular joint, however, ultrasound can be used to provide details on the size and shape of the inflamed area. Additionally, ultrasound is useful for examining tendons and ligaments around joints.
Metabolic bone disease
Certain metabolic bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, can be identified through an ultrasound. An ultrasound can determine if your bones are becoming more porous and brittle over time by measuring the size of the bones using an instrument called a caliper. This type of imaging can also determine the density and thickness of your bones.
Ultrasound imaging is a useful tool for the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of many conditions. It has been proven to be safe, effective, and non-invasive, making it an ideal diagnostic test for various health problems.