An ultrasound—also known as a sonogram—is a safe, painless diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain images of the body’s organs. Sound waves emitted through a "transducer" reflect or "echo" off the body structure being examined. The "echoes" give information on size, distance, shape and density and are used to form an image, which is displayed on a monitor. Captured in real time, ultrasound images reveal the structure and movement of organs—as well as blood flow. This helps doctors detect cysts, tumors, disease and other abnormalities, often at an early stage.
Ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate:
- Abdominal organs (liver, kidneys, pancreas, gallbladder)
- Pelvic organs (uterus, ovaries)
- Pregnancy (size and development of fetus)
- Neck (thyroid, carotids, blood flow in major arteries)
- Breast (growth or cysts)
- Testicles, Prostate
- Peripheral blood vessels
