Whenever there are frequent problems in our stomach region, Doctor’s usually prescribe for the Ultrasound scan. As this type of scan doesn’t use any radiations, it is widely used in medical field.
How does it work?
This type of scan works by using ultrasound. When we pass 1-20 MHz sound frequencies into our body, it reflects back. When we convert this reflection into a photograph, we get the picture of our internal organs and its condition. Ultrasound scans work on this principle, and that is how this scan is carried out.
It is very similar to how the bats find its prey or find its way in the dark. It gives out sounds of low frequencies and uses its reflections to figure out the way forward.
How is it carried out?
This scanning device looks more similar to a computer. This device has an attachment called probe, which looks similar to a torch light. Probe helps with sending the sound waves into the body and also receiving its reflections.
The person who is about to go through the scanning process is made to lie down flat in a bed, then there is a particular gel or paste that will be applied to the skin surface where the scanning process will be carried out. This special gel will ensure there are no gaps between the probe and the skin surface. This will ensure the probe receives all the reflected sound waves. During the scanning process, the probe sends out the ultrasound into the body and the reflected sound waves reach the attached computer through the probe. But, not all the reflected sound waves are similar to one another. It differs depending up the condition of the tissue inside. The computer understands these variations and creates a photograph accordingly and displays it on the screen. Additionally, this picture will be printed onto a film and given to the patient.
What diseases can be Detected?
Appendicitis, tumor in intestines, cancer in intestines, fluid retention in the stomach, inflammation of the liver, fatty liver, contraction of the liver, inflammation of spleen, and similar problems can be photographed using this scan. Additionally, problems with gallbladder and gallbladder stones can also be detected.
Apart from these it is used to detect the following problems as well
- Pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Inflammation in kidneys
- Kidney stones
- Blocks in Kidneys
- Prostate inflammation
- Prostate cancer
- Problems in salivary gland
- Problems with lymphatic gland
- Problems with thyroid gland
- Problems with parathyroid gland
- Diseases in scrotum
- Diseases in testes
It helps women in a great way
Common problems in women such as tumor or cyst in breasts and diseases in uterus and ovary can be easily detected using ultrasound scan. Additionally. it can detect if a woman is pregnant, how healthy is her fetus if she is having twin babies, how good are her health condition or normal delivery if the baby is a boy or girl, and more other details.
Helps with Biopsy
It greatly helps to take tissue samples from the right spot during the biopsy procedure. Mainly, it helps to prevent the injected needles from damaging the internal organs.
Nuchal Scan
This scan is carried out just like any other ultrasound scans, but the difference lies in the use of software used in the computer. This scan is mainly carried out to detect if there are any problems in fetus growth by checking the level of fluid present behind its neck. This is one of the important tests carried out for pregnant women in recent times.
When is it carried out?
This is usually carried out between 11 to 14 weeks of the pregnancy.It is only during this time period the fetus starts to develop fluid under its neck. Due to this reason, the thickness of the skin in this region reduces. We call this as Nuchal Translucency. When this thickness level is below 3mm, it is considered as normal, when it is above 3mm, it is usually an indication of hereditary problems like down syndrome, trisomy 18 etc..
Who really needs this?
- For women who are older than 35 years of age and is pregnant for the first time
- For those who are married to a direct blood relation
- When the previous baby has genetic disorder
- It is one of the vital tests for these women.
Endoscopy Ultrasound
It is one of the new inventions in the ultrasound scan. This scan is carried out by inserting the probe into one end of the endoscope device where there is a camera. We call this device as Echo Endoscope.
This tube is inserted into the stomach through the mouth. The probe present in this tube will send out ultrasound waves on its journey, and reflected sound waves will be sent to the computer. A computer converts this into an image. Doctors use this image to detect diseases. The attached camera can record the video of the same and display it on a computer screen.
What are the Benefits?
Cancers in food pipe, throat, stomach, pancreas, colon, intestines can easily be detected using this method. Additionally, it can be used to detect gallbladder stones. As pancreas cannot be surgically removed to treat cancer on it, medicines can be directly injected into pancreas using this method to reduce pain and increase the quality of life in cancer patients. If there is a fluid formation in the pancreas, it can also be removed.
